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AT CAPRI. 


A STORY OF ITALIAN LIFE. 


By CLARA BAUER, 

■ 

(“CARL DETLEF,”) 


AUTHOR OF “valentine, THE COUNTESS,” ETC. 


TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN 


By ms. 


TRANSLATOR OF “VALENTINE, THE COUNTESS,” “A TWO-FOLD LIFE,” ETC. 



PHILADELPHIA; 

PORTER AND COATES, 

No. 822 Chestnut Street. 


~PZ 3 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1 j^ 75, by 
PORTER & COATES, 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, 


MEARS k DTTSENBERY, 
Electrotypera and Stereotypera. 


HENRY B. ASHMEAD. 
Printer. 


AT CAPRI 


CHAPTER I. 

P'OR two days a furious storm had cut off all commu- 
nication between the inhabitants . of the island of 
Capri and the mainland of Italy. The steamer from 
Naples had not ventured 'to approach the rugged cliffs 
of the “ Isle of Goats,” and travellers were compelled, if 
they did not wish to return, to disembark at Sorrento 
and wait for more favorable weather. 

To-day a calm had ensued. The sea, which yesterday 
had heaved in wild surges and dashed madly far over 
the Marina, as if eager to seize the boats, the cautious 
fishermen had drawn up on the shore and securely fas- 
tened there — for they knew the malice of the contending 
elements — this sea now lay as calm and peaceful, as if 

( 5 ) 


6 


AT CAPRI. 


its sole object were to serve as a huge mirror to reflect 
the blue sky. 

And how intense, how brilliant was its hue ! - The 
blue of the lapis lazuli seemed dull and lifeless beside it. 
The storm had swept all mists and vapors from the air ; 
the outlines of the coast appeared with wonderful dis- 
tinctness, a thin light column of smoke rose from Ve- 
suvius and floated over it like a transparent cloud ; the 
white villas of Sorrento gleamed forth amid their groves 
of orange and citron. Farther. away the eye wandered 
over the gulf of Salerno, the reefs rising from the water 
to which are given the name of the Siren Islands, the 
once proud commercial city of Amalfi, which sits on the 
rocky shore like a dethroned queen, and on the other 
side the ruins of Paestum, whose most majestic temple, 
that of Neptune, glittered on the horizon like a tiny 
speck. 

All this fair scene, bathed in the brightest sunlight, 
was beheld by a pair of eyes keen and far-sighted enough 
to need no glasses, eyes which though principally en- 
gaged in searching learned folios and deciphering an- 
cient writings — had still preserved the sharpness of the 
falcon’s. The owner of these remarkable organs of 
vision, which however were not particularly handsome — 


AT CAFBI. 


7 


they were grayish-blue eyes of no special color, such as 
one meets at every street corner in Germany — had been 
about a month at Capri and chosen this spot on account 
of its magnificent view, as his favorite resort. It was 
the Punta di Mitromania, which slopes sharply down in 
jagged cliffs, rude terraces, and primitive steps to the 
cave which is called by the inhabitants of the island 
Grotto di Matrimonio, and believed by the dark-eyed 
girls to possess the magic power of binding in the bonds 
of matrimony before the lapse of a year every one who 
dares to enter it. 

The path leading to the “ Punta ” was not wholly 
free from danger, and required either the capacity for 
climbing of a goat or the freedom from dizziness of a 
native of the island. One was obliged to walk close 
beside the edge of the steep cliff, over rolling stones 
which yielded under the feet and bounded down into the 
abyss, and the hand seeking support could only cling to 
the bushes growing between the clefts of the rock. 

But the toil was well repaid, the spot was one of in- 
comparable beauty, a secluded region which seemed 
formed for quiet dreams, thoughts and labor. Chance 
had so ordered that no one of the two dozen artists, who 
had made a summer trip to Capri, had selected the Punta 


8 


AT CAPRI. 


di Mitromania for the subject of a sketch. They were 
sitting about everywhere with their camp-chairs and 
white umbrellas, on the Marina, at the chapel of San 
Maria del Soccorso, among the ruins of Tiberius’s villa, 
on the Faraglioni, but fortunately they did not mount 
here, and the owner of the falcon eyes — by his full name 
and title Professor Walter Erichsen — might fancy that 
God had prepared a wondrously beautiful study for him 
alone. An olive tree rooted in a crevice of the rock 
gave him its shade, and the heat of the sun was moder- 
ated by the breeze from the water. He had prepared a 
compromise between a seat and a couch of a cushion and 
several shawls, which protected his person from too sharp 
an impression of the rough rocks. These useful articles, 
together with a small bottle of Capri wine, a basket in 
which the padrone of the hotel had packed a lunch of 
bread, cold meat, and oranges, and finally — last but not 
least — the various books and writing materials, were 
carried up each morning to the Punta on the back of a 
patient donkey, while Walter strolled along on foot and 
good-naturedly allowed Marietta, the owner of the beast, 
to ask him if he really had no sposa ” at home, and 
whether it was true that the sun there — what Marietta 


AT CAPRI. 


9 


imagined by the term “ there ” it would have been difficult 
to discover — only showed itself for a few months ? 

The artless prattle of the little creature, who was about 
fifteen years old, and whose clearly cut features unmis- 
takably belonged to the Greek type, affected him like 
the soft plashing of the waves on the Marina. He heard, 
answered, and yet continued his own train of thought 
undisturbed. Marietta paused at a projecting rock, be- 
cause the donkey could climb no farther up the steep 
path ; she relieved him of his burden, and stepping care- 
lessly with her little bare feet over the sharp stones, 
carried it to the favorite spot of the forestiere,’' who to 
her secret amazement, was neither an artist nor an En- 
glishman. 

After pushing the basket of provisions and the flask 
of wine into a hollow of the rocks, to shield both from 
the heat of the sun, she withdrew with a smiling : “ Si 
diverta, Signore,” and while returning home accompanied 
by her long-eared companion, racked her pretty head in 
trying to discover what pleasure the foreign gentleman 
could find in sitting alone so many hours reading those 
thick books. Towards evening she set out again to bring 
the mysterious volumes and all the rest of the luggage 
back to the albergo, where Walter lived. 


10 


AT CAPRI. 


It was already late in the afternoon, in two hours the 
sun would sink into the sea, and the guests at the hotel 
would be summoned to dinner. 

“ Coeli temperies hieme mitis objcctu inontis^ quo scsva 
ventorurn arcentur ; cestas m favonium obversa et aperto 
circmn pelago peraifKBtia ; prospectabatque pulcherrimum 
sinum^ antequam Vesuvius mo7is ardescens- faciem loci 
verteretp read Erichsen, who with his head resting on 
his arm, had stretched himself out in a half-recumbent 
posture. He raised his eyes-;— yes, Capri was still ex- 
actly as Tacitus described it : The temperature in winter 
mild, because the mountains sheltered it from the cold 
winds ; the summer remarkably pleasant, since it had the 
western breezes and was surrounded by the sea; more- 
over it had a fine view of the most beautiful of bays, ere 
the eruption of Vesuvius altered the form of the landscape. 

At any rate Tiberius was a man of taste, since he 
chose this island for his residence. And when we think 
of marble palaces towering from these rocks, palaces 
adorned with the masterpieces of Grecian sculptors and 
artists, we can easily understand how the aged emperor 
could live here ten years in retirement. The loneliness, 
the seclusion attracted him ; here he was near enough 
to hold in an iron grasp the haughty Rome . that he 


AT CAPRI. 


11 


CJ>^ 




(X/^ 


despised, Rome with her two millions of human beings 
collected from every quarter of the globe — one half the 
population a luxurious, shameless aristocracy, the 6ther 
a miserable rabble of slaves — and yet far enough away 
to enjoy undisturbed repose, since no one was permitted 
to land on the island without his knowledge. 

To-day Walter had envied the unsocial Caesar his 
absolute power, as he watched the steamer from Sorrento, 
which evidently brought a large crowd of travellers. 
The table d’hote at the albergo would doubtless show a 
whole gallery of new, uninteresting faces, which would 
stare rigidly at every new-comer, and nothing but the 
harsh unmusical English tongue would be heard during 
the meal. The young professor always developed a genu- 
ine British stiffness, when he wished to ward off annoying 
intrusiveness ; he did not make acquaintances easily, and 
understood how to protect himself against unwarrantable 
advances, but he feared an invasion of his favorite retreat, 

to which he had become so accustomed that he fancied 

¥■ 

he could not work so well anywhere else. And he had 
firmly resolved to finish at Capri, the “ Latin Studies” 
for which he had eagerly collected material in Rome. 
He wished when he recrossed the Alps in July to have 
the man.uscript ready for the printer. He had already 


12 


AT CAPRI, 


lost a great deal of time, never before had he been so 
idle. To be sure, this Italian journey was intended to 
afford him the recreation he so greatly needed. For the 
first time in his life days had been spent in amusement 
and sight-seeing, and although they had increased his 
store of knowledge, his mind had been trained in so 
stern a school that this kind of study seemed only a 
pleasure. 

Now he had fled to Capri, in order amid the wondrous 
beauties of nature, which promised to strengthen his 
excited nerves, unchecked by social considerations, to 
devote himself exclusively to mental labor. He had 
made considerable progress in a month, and could be 
tolerably well satisfied with himself He succeeded 
admirably in becoming absorbed in his subject. But 
frequently intrusive thoughts would come at the most 
inopportune moments ; they were suggested by the cool 
sea breezes, the fragrance of the orange blossoms, the 
glittering green lizards that moved with graceful agility 
over the hot rocks. See ! there was one ! Walter 
grasped the dainty creature, but it glided swiftly from 
under his fingers — lizards are not easily caught, he knew. 

He let his head sink on his arm and read on : Grcecos 
ea tenuisse Capreasque Telebois habitatas fama tradit. 


AT CAPRI. 


13 


Certainly! One need only look at the pure profiles, 
straight noses, and beautifully curved lips of the girls and 
women of the island, to perceive their Grecian origin. 
Greeks had colonized Capri, and their blood still flowed 
in the veins of the present inhabitants — the legend was 
credible enough. What a difference between these faces 
and those of the Neapolitans, who bask idly in the sun 
on Santa Lucia I 

It afforded him peculiar pleasure to read again on 
classic soil the old authors he had translated in his school 
days 1 The intrusive thoughts melted away, and Wal- 
ter again became absorbed in Tacitus. 

Any one who had been observing him now — and who 
knows whether from behind the cliffs two eyes were not 
peering, that perhaps belonged to a siren who had swum 
over from one of the opposite islands — would have had 
ample leisure to scrutinize his exterior. His figure, clad 
in a comfortable gray summer suit, was of medium 
height, the firm easy carriage showed no trace of the 
student, but revealed the strict military discipline to 
which he had been subjected a short time before. Pro- 
fessor Erichsen, although his thirty-five years released 
him from the obligation of rendering military service, 
had voluntarily entered the Franco-Prussian war as an 


14 


AT CAPRI. 


officer in the Landvvehr, distinguished himself in various 
ways and won the iron cross — his sole decoration, which 
he wore with modest pride. Most persons, especially 
ladies, would not have thought his face particularly 
attractive, nay, would have felt repelled by the expres- 
sion of sternness caused by the two lines between his 
eyebrows. But it was a face, whose features bore the 
impress of conscious manliness and honest sincerity ; one 
could not pass him without thinking : that man is thor- 
oughly reliable. The nose projected boldly from beneath 
a broad forehead, lined with premature wrinkles, over 
which thick short dark hair bristled somewhat obsti- 
nately. Do not waste your smiles and tears, fair child, 
you will hardly soften when he has once announced 
his will. The mouth, on the contrary, possessed almost 
womanly delicacy and grace, it was a pity that the 
closely trimmed beard concealed it. The hands, in strik- 
ing contrast to the bronzed complexion, were remarkably 
white, beautifully formed, yet very muscular, alike 
adapted to guide the pen or wield the sword. 

Professor Walter Erichsen came from North Germany ; 
he was the only son of an officer’s widow in modest, 
though not needy circumstances ; who had imposed the 
greatest sacrifices upon herself in order to be able to 


AT CAPRI, 


15 


gratify the boy’s ardent desire to study. Walter had 
endeavored to support himself at the university by 
giving private lessons and reading proof for publishers, 
and afterwards found himself compelled to adopt the 
same means of earning a livelihood, if he did not wish 
to starve. To give lectures in the day, private instruc- 
tion to young men preparing for their examination, and 
at night toil at his writing until dawn — such had been 
his life for many years. 

Reared amid poor, but highly cultured people, he 
could with difficulty renounce certain refined habits, and 
made the greatest sacrifices in order always to appear 
outwardly a gentleman. Small close rooms, coarse linen, 
shabby clothing were unendurable to him ; he made 
actually superhuman efforts to escape from this oppres- 
sive poverty. 

Just at this time the great war occurred, and the highly 
esteemed teacher entered with his pupils the ranks of 
those who battled for their native land. After peace 
was concluded he devoted himself with fresh energy to 
his profession, and soon after one of those lucky chances 
occurred which so often give a more favorable turn to 
life, than years of arduous toil. A prince, who had 
earned glorious laurels as a hero in the war, passed 


16 


AT CAPRL 


through the city and wished to examine the interesting 
collections of the ancient alma mater. The president of 
the college presented the various professors, that he 
might choose from their number a cicerone. The stately 
figure of Erichsen, who, to do honor to the royal com- 
mander in whose army corps he had served, wore his 
uniform, was instantly noticed by the prince, who desig- 
nated him his guide. The professor’s easy manners and 
fearless frankness, the natural tone in which he showed 
his thorough knowledge of everything to be explained, 
greatly pleased the distinguished guest. He conversed 
constantly with him, delicately inquired about his private 
circumstances, and asked whether it would not be an 
advantage to his studies if he could spend some time in 
Italy ? 

Walter did not deny that such a journey was the 
object of his most ardent longing, but his limited means 
rendered it absolutely impossible. 

His affable patron told him as he bade him farewell, 
that he hoped the university in the capital might be able 
to secure his fresh intellectual power, and asked if he 
would be disposed to accept a call thither ? “ Of course 

under the most advantageous conditions,” laughed the 


AT CAPRI. 


17 


prince ; “ don’t estimate yourself below your value ! I 
depend upon seeing you again.” 

He must have interceded in behalf of his proteg6, for 
at the end of three months Erichsen was offered a well 
paid professorship in the capital, while in the accompany- 
ing letter the Minister of Public Worship and Instruction 
informed him that the government had granted him a six 
months’ leave of absence and a considerable sum of 
money for the purpose of visiting Italy, and added in a 
very flattering postscript that science anticipated valuable 
treasures from the fruits of this sojourn. 

So Walter had come to Italy. For the first time he 
felt free from the gnawing care, which had hitherto up- 
braided him for every moment not devoted to incessant 
labor. The sum given for the journey seemed unne- 
cessarily large to one accustomed to deprivations ; true, 
his salary was by no means equal to that of a clerk in a 
large banking-house, but it was amply sufficient for his 
wants. If his pen continued to be industrious, he could 
establish a comfortable home, affectionately repay his 
mother for the thousand sacrifices she had made for 
him. 

This was the modest curriculum vitcB of Professor 
Walter Erichsen, who was gazing from the Punta di 
2 


18 


AT CAFE I, 


Mitromania over the mirror-like sea, and holding eager 
intercourse with Tacitus, Juvenal, Suetonius and other 
ancient Romans. 

A refreshing breeze bore to the young teacher the 
fragrance of the wild hyacinths and narcissus flowers 
blooming amid the rocks, and played with the leaves of 
the open books. The wind that swept across his brow 
must have borne on its wings one of those mischievous 
sprites that whisper foolish thoughts in the ears of 
men, for Walter’s keen eyes gradually grew dreamy 
as he gazed towards the Siren Isles. That divine hue of 
the sea ! So deep and warm, and yet so difficult to ana- 
lyze ! Was it violet merging into blue, or a dark glow- 
ing emerald green ? 

There were human beings — they were really fairies, 
elves, nixies, and did not belong to this weary, earthly, 
prosaic world — whose eyes had that same indescribable 
color, eyes that mirrored every change of feeling and 
ran through a whole scale of tints to passionate black. 

“ When I look at your little feet, I cannot understand 
how they can support so much beauty !” he murmured. 

Strange ! Those words were by no means written in 
his books. At this moment the professor had apparently 
lost his respect for science, for, stretching himself at full 


AT CAPRI, 


19 


length, he pushed the precious volumes carelessly aside 
with his foot, and sighed a sigh that came from the 
bottom of his heart, a thing members of a faculty are 
never in the habit of doing. With both hands crossed 
under his head, he lay gazing absently at the cloudless 
sky, whose blue gleamed through the gray foliage of 
the olive trees. How gracefully the delicate oval leaves 

swayed to and fro 

“ When I see your dainty little feet ” 

Those delicate little feet with the slender ankles, that 
glided so saucily about, that enchanting, variable crea- 
ture, that charming Puck, Cobweb and Mustard Seed in 
one person ! That alluring siren, who bewitched every 

one at whom she glanced 

Not many would have had strength, like him, to break . 
those magic chains . . . Love ! He feared it as a 
burned child dreads the fire. He had already paid its 
terrible cost. While still struggling with bitter need, 
abject poverty, he had cherished a mad passion for a 
married woman. It was his first love, and seized upon 
him with the fierce power of a hurricane. The object of 
this wild love, a dark Southern beauty with large black 
eyes, had without affection wedded an elderly man, and 


20 


AT CAPRI. 


possessed one of those dissatisfied natures that are 
always longing for some extraordinary happiness, and 
yet can only find it in the routine of every-day life. She 
returned Walter’s love, was happy in his presence, but 
trembled lest her position in ' society should be com- 
promised. When he entreated her to break her bonds 
and become his wife, she recoiled in terror ; if he then 
said he would go away, since this secret, unjustifiable 
relation was unworthy of a man, she threw herself into 
his arms, and, with floods of tears, implored him not to 
leave her to despair. 

A sudden death, which in moments of self-torture he 
accused himself of having caused — she had, while heated 
by dancing, hurried out into the winter night to entreat 
his forgiveness for one of the stormy scenes that fre- 
quently occurred between them — put an end to this state 
of affairs. But he had suffered from the after effects for 
years, his youthful spirits failed, his heart grew old. No 
more excitements, no more disappointments ! was his 
daily prayer. How many women were there in whom 
the charm of possession outlasted the first fleeting intoxi- 
cation ? He was forced to confess to himself, that he 
should not have been happy by the side of the dark- 


AT CAPJRI, 


21 


eyed beauty ; her shallow mind and constant sentimen- 
tality would have become uncomfortable and tiresome. 

No, no second love ! Perhaps at some future day a 
sensible marriage — even that must be long considered. 
To give up his personal independence in exchange for 
doubtful happiness ! A woman might be lovable and 
estimable, and yet for instance possess the peculiarity of 
always interrupting his train of thought at the wrong 
time; she might be jealous, irritated by the unavoidable 
mischances of life. What a chain of incalculable an- 
noyances might be anticipated ! How easily he had 
packed his luggage for this journey, and how difficult it 
would have been if he had left a wife and child at home! 
Even the regular correspondence a wife had a right to 
command I What a tax to be compelled to write a letter, 
merely that she might not be anxious because she re- 
ceived no news. Divine freedom of the soul, the only 
thing that consoles us when, as helpless wheels of human 
machinery, members of a government, freedom of action 
is rudely curtailed — marriage usually deprives us of you. 
I will not sacrifice you thoughtlessly ! 

The young man was so absorbed in his reverie, that he 
carelessly pushed under his head a highly valued edition 


22 


AT CAPRI, 


of Suetonius, which he usually treated with the utmost 
caution, heedless whether the sharp rock tore or defaced 
the leather binding. 

The stern lines between the eyebrows gradually re- 
laxed, the gloomy features assumed a gentler expression, 
and a faint smile even played around his lips. 


AT CAPRI. 


23 


CHAPTER II. 

weeks after Erichsen first trod the soil of Italy, 
he arrived in Florence. His travelling companion 
was a Herr von Linden, who had joined him against his 
will, but whom he could not shake off. Linden was 
about the same age, and lived on the interest of a moder- 
ate property; as he was entirely unoccupied, he filled 
his time by performing various little services for his 
friends. He eagerly executed any commission, was 
happy if he could procure Frau von A. a companion, or 
blind Baron B. some one to read aloud; with good- 
natured amusement he called himself The Gratuitous 
Employment Office. He could supply every want, knew 
where genuine Marsala, old laces, and vieux Saxe were 
to be had, offered to execute the most difficult commis- 
sions, and it was only to be regretted that he did not 
devote to some more valuable purpose one-half the zeal 
and energy he displayed in these matters. He had heard 
high praise of the young professor, whose personal ac- 
quaintance he made by accident on the railroad. He 


24 


AT CAPRI. 


liked Erichsen, whose reserved manners inspired him 
with respect; it was useful and interesting to visit classic 
scenes with a man of such attainments. In his bound- 
less complaisance, he instantly sketched a plan of obtain- 
ing for the young professor, through an aristocratic aunt 
and uncle, the position of tutor to the Crown Prince. 
With this generous idea in his brain, he thought himself 
authorized in claiming the young man’s society without 
any further ceremony. 

The incongruous travelling companions had gone to 
the Pitti Palace. Walter had hitherto had no oppor- 
tunity to gratify his aesthetic tastes, but experience once 
more proved to him, that a clear, logically trained mind 
will instantly recognise what is of real value, even in 
departments of which it has no knowledge. One stroll 
through the collections had been suflScient to enable him 
to distinguish the style of the different masters, and 
identify them correctly without a catalogue. 

He was particularly delighted with Titian’s portraits ; 
these men and w^omen in their quiet enjoyment of exist- 
ence, the proud security of their individuality, embodied 
to him the golden age, when life and enjoyment of art 
were the same. One of his favorite pictures was the 
Magdalen, the beautiful woman with the luxuriant waves 


AT CAPRI, 


25 


of red gold hair, which with one hand she timidly draws 
over her bosom. 

“ Look,” he said to Von Linden, who was criticizing 
the exquisite outlines, “ there is no such hair at the 
present day, it has even vanished from the home of the 
Venetian women. I understand why Titian could not 
represent his most beautiful forms without this wonder- 
derful ornament. There is a demoniacal charm that be- 
wilders the senses in these gold and purple reflections, 
as if the fervor that animated these divine shapes blazed 
in flames around their heads.” 

Von Linden, whose scanty hair bordered upon red, 
was highly edified by this paneygric, though he did not 
share Walter’s predilection for Titian, probably because 
instinct told him that these royal women would have 
cared very little for such a small, thin, fussy man as he. 
He sought out Rafael’s Madonna del Granduca, whose 
chaste purity inspired an elevated, pious mood, muttered 
in an under tone: “O santissima, O piissima,” and 
talked of consecrated hours. 

Walter was leaning back in a window corner with 
folded arms, gazing at his favorite picture, when he 
heard a laugh, a light, gay, mocking laugh, such as is 


26 


AT CAPRI. 


peculiar to elves, nixies, and such merry folks, who jeer 
at rude commonplace mortals. 

“No, no, grandpapa,” said a childish voice, “you 
mustn’t want your breakfast yet, you must sustain your- 
self for at least half an hour on the masterpieces of art. 
I shall really be shamed before the courier, who will 
form a very bad opinion of our culture.” 

“ You are a little tyrant, Andy,” replied a masculine 
voice ; “ I assure you I can’t endure all these Ascensions 
and Descents from the Cross.” 

“ There is no lack of Venuses and other scantily clad 
heathenish ladies, whom your degenerate sex usually 
contemplate with delight,” laughed the elf in her silvery 
tones. 

Walter turned. Beside an old gentleman, who had 
evidently belonged to the army, stood a young girl, 
whose slender figure, with its perfect symmetry, promised 
motions of unusual grace. Over her neck and shoulders 
fell in soft, heavy masses waves of magnificent red gold 
hair — it had been stolen from Titian’s Magdalen ! When 
unbound, it must have covered the little creature like a 
cloak ; what a warm golden light rested on the gleaming 
braids, the obstinate little curls that clustered round the 
pink ears ! Now she looked back and revealed a delicate, 


AT CAPEI. 


27 


intellectual face, a complexion which is only found with 
red hair, pouting scarlet lips and a pair of eyes, that 
scanned him beneath their long lashes with a lightning- 
like glance, eyes that sparkled like diamonds and whose 
color he could not determine, 

Walter had never seen a person who possessed such 
singular charms ; everything harmonized perfectly : the 
simple elegance of the toilette, the easy graceful move- 
ments, the gay saucy prattle. She did not appear to 
notice the glances she received on all sides from the 
gentlemen, but if any one was too persistent, she re- 
pelled him with a look whose hauteur could not be 
surpassed, and the next instant her face again assumed 
its expression of childish sauciness. 

She now passed tolerably near him, to look at Titian’s 
Magdalen, and clapped her little hands in delight. 

“ Do be enthusiastic for once, grandpapa !” she impa- 
tiently exclaimed, “ I should like to know why you came 
to Italy ! The beauties of nature, the wonders of art, 
win from you at the utmost a gracious nod, a ' very 
pretty !’ I don’t understand how you can stand before 
these things so stupidly; they fill me with ecstasy, and I 
feel so happy that I would like to throw my arms around 
your neck, if it were proper.^’ 


28 


AT CAPEL 


She shook the old gentleman, whose only reply was a 
faint smile, as if she expected by the touch to commu- 
nicate to him the electric current of her own enthusiasm. 

“ Will you never be quiet and sensible like other 
people, Andy ?” he asked. 

“ No, never !” she energetically replied, drawing the 
velvet cap with its heron’s plume further over her face ; 

“ you ought to be glad that I am an exception to sober, 
tiresome mortals.” 

She turned so quickly, that one of her long tresses 
almost brushed Walter’s face, and a keen glance from 
the, as he -thought, emerald green eyes scanned his 
features. 

“You must wait twenty minutes,” she laughingly 
declared, removing her hand from the old man’s arm. 

“ I shan’t go until one o’clock, then the table may assert , 
its claims.” 

She had scarcely taken a step, when she exclaimed : 

“ Look there, grandpapa! That is surely the factotum 
of fashionable society, Herr Von Linden. ' Figaro qua, 
Figaro Id 1’ The most useful and convenient individual 
that can be imagined. I thought we should meet him 
somewhere about here.” 

At that moment Herr Von Linden rushed up. 


AT CAPRI. 


29 


“ Oh ! fair lady,” he cried, panting for breath, as with 
an expression of the greatest delight he kissed the 
slender little hand encased in a pearl-gray glove, “ how 
fortunate I am to meet you here ! I was told that your 
Excellency intended to go to Rome” — he shook hands 
with the General — “ and hoped to have the pleasure of 
seeing you at our ambassador’s, if not before. How is 
your wife ?” 

“ Grandmamma is tired and therefore did not accom- 
pany us, she remained at the hotel with the companion — 
the same one you recommended ; we are very well satis- 
fied with her” — replied the young lady. “We shall 
arrive in Rome at the beginning or middle of February, 
for the carnival is tolerably late this year : will you go 
with us or earlier ?” 

Walter did not understand his travelling companion’s 
reply, he was amused at the sight of his radiant face as 
the good man again bowed deferentially to his charming 
acquaintance. A few minutes after Herr Von Linden 
approached him. “ Come, Professor,” he whispered in 
an excited tone, “ you must make the acquaintance of 
the most bewitching woman in the world, Madame la 
Baronne Andy von Valmont, nde von Willberg.” 


30 


AT CAPRI. 


“ Madame? I thought she was a young girl just from 
boarding-school.” 

“ You are mistaken,” replied Von Linden ; “the little 
baroness cannot be measured by any ordinary standard, 
she is thoroughly original ; when she is a grandmother 
she will look like her own granddaughter. She was 
married eight years, and has been a widow about two. 
Have you never heard of her ? Ah ! yes, you have not 
yet resided any length of time in the capital, or you 
would surely have known the pet child of society. I 
was just speaking to her about you, and though she 
declares she is afraid of your learning, she wants to make 
your acquaintance. ‘ It can do us no harm de nous 
frotter avec V esprit, Herr Von Linden,’ she said, smiling. 
She is a delicious creature, and always has such comical 
ideas. Her grandfather is General D. Von Willberg, she 
has lived in his house ever since she lost her husband — 
who, between ourselves, was a mummy, dried up soul 
and body.” 

The introduction was made, and the little baroness 
eyed Walter with a timidity very unusual to her. The 
general invited the gentlemen to take their seats in his 
carriage, drive to the hotel, and breakfast with them. 
The young baroness, who in consequence of her girlish 


AT CAPRI. 


31 


appearance, was often addressed by the professor as 
“ Fraulein,” was in the gayest spirits. She complained 
bitterly of the tyranny the courier exercised over the 
whole family ; such a person, in her opinion, was a tor- 
ment and no relief in travelling. Even she who did not 
usually yield to authority easily, had given up the con- 
test as fruitless, since her grandparents helplessly sub- 
mitted to all his arrangements. 

“ If you inquire about my health, I shall really be 
obliged to reply : Thank you, the courier is very well,” 
she continued with comic indignation, “ we live and 
breathe through him, he considers us his property, we 
are wedded to him, nay, even worse off, for we dare not 
think of a divorce. Do you know what a courier is ? 
He is the hostile principle that consistently thwarts your 
most innocent wishes, and compels you to do what you 
don’t desire. Under the pretext that this or that famous 
collection or church can only be seen on such a day 
and hour, he drags you pitilessly in the burning sun or 
pouring rain to the designated place. He does not 
hesitate to assert that the mountain he forces you to 
ascend to-day at a very inconvenient time, might by some 
convulsion of nature, be swept from the face of the earth 
to-morrow. You cannot stay at the hotel recommended 


32 


AT CAPRI, 


by your friends, or make purchases at the shops you 
have been told are cheap — you inspire me with great 
respect, Herr Professor, and I feel very insignificant 
beside you, but you are by no means so majestic a 
person as our courier. When he says with a superior 
smile : 'Madajne, cela ne vaiit pas la peine d'Ure regard^l 
I don’t venture to glance askance at it, and when he con- 
descendingly observes : ^ Madame^ cest un chef d'oeuvre^ 
I fix my eyes convulsively on the masterpiece he patron- 
izes. Besides, I am convinced that he cheats us shame- 
fully.” 

“ Andy exaggerates,” said the general, as the gentle- 
men laughed, “ the man is really very well informed and 
useful ; he saves us every inconvenience, and sees that 
we' are served in the best possible manner.” 

The elf pouted, which gave her a most bewitchingly 
defiant expression. 

“ Because we pay two or three times the value of 
everything, voila le secret! Mr. Silvio irritates my nerves, 
it makes me uneasy not to be able to discover where his 
home is, whether he came into the world as a courier 
with a travelling satchel, or whether he too is bound by 
any family ties. For instance, I should like to know 
when he takes his meals. He has no opportunity to 


AT CAPRI. 


33 


sustain himself with earthly food during the day, for he 
follows at our heels like a shadow, and only leaves the 
family intrusted to his care for a few hours of the night. 
I am going to emancipate myself from this despot,” she 
exclaimed, saucily shaking her curls till they seemed to 
send off sparks in the sunlight, “ I will make these two 
gentlemen my cavaliers, and leave the walking guide book 
to my grandparents.” 

So it happened that Erichsenand Von Linden became 
the constant attendants of the baroness, whose remark- 
able beauty attracted admiring eyes wherever they went. 
Towards Walter she had from the first moment adopted 
a tone of childish modesty, which formed a flattering 
contrast to the jeering manner maintained with others. 

I 

“ I am just clever enough to understand, that you circle 
like an eagle over us talkative wrens,” she once said, 
“ and I am grateful to you for conversing with me as if 
I were a reasonable creature, unlike other men, who see 
nothing in me except my face.” 

What a richly-gifted nature she possessed, and how 
much might have been made of it with proper guidance ! 
Everything in the little head might be confused, but her 
wonderful memory always aided her to find the right 
thing at the right moment. While she laughed and 
3 


34 


AT CAPRI. 


prattled and with exuberant vivacity ran from one subject 
to another, she saw and heard everything that was passing 
around her, grasped each peculiarity of the country, the 
inhabitants, the customs. She often had not patience 
to wait for a logical explanation, but guessed whither it 
was leading, sprang over the intervening steps, and rarely 
missed the goal. The young professor involuntarily ad- 
mired the ease with which she ruled all the forms of 
social intercourse'; free from any narrow-minded pride 
of birth, she felt so secure in her position, that she never 
gave it a thought. She possessed a peculiar talent for 
drawing wide boundaries for herself and imposing narrow 
ones upon others. 

Herr von Linden, who wore her colors as a faithful 
Paladin, confidentially informed Walter, that in the capital 
the little baroness went by the name of the Salamander, 
because fire seemed to be her native element, and yet she 
herself was never burned, nay people doubted whether 
she had a heart. Walter tried to explain the charm of 
her nature by the peculiar mixture of womanly indepen- 
dence and girlish, even childish innocence. She often 
gave utterance to expressions, from which it might be 
inferred that many relations of life that women usually 
do not understand, or if they do, prefer to conceal their 


AT CAPRI. 


35 


knowledge, were not unfamiliar to her, that she had re- 
flected upon them ; but it seemed to him that the know- 
ledge was purely abstract. Of her marriage, her former 
husband, she never spoke, and it was singular that in 
spite of her vivacity, which often seemed to sweep her 
away like a whirlwind, she could never be led on to say 
a word more than she wished. 

A week had elapsed in this way ; Walter thought he 
had never so distinctly noted the flight of time, his head 
was as clear as ever. He knew that the little baroness 
favored him, because for the moment no more valuable 
admirer was near her, that she took it as a matter of 
course that she had bewitched the grave professor, with 
all his logic. Well, and he watched her as he gazed at 
the sunlight flickering on a sparkling waterfall ; it would 
as soon have occurred to him to glow with passion for a 
butterfly, or fall in love with a libella, as to mistake her 
sport with him for earnest. 

Duty obliged him to break off this intercourse ; the 
time allotted to Florence had expired, he was com- 
pelled to go to Rome, where the library of the Vatican 
was to be the scene of his researches. General Von 
Willberg also wished to go to Rome as soon as possible, 
but his wife was ill with the fever of the country, and 


36 


AT CAPBL 


they were obliged to wait for her recovery before con- 
tinuing their journey. Andy — Walter thought this origi- 
nal name, which he had never heard before, very pretty, 
and often called the young widow by it in his thoughts — 
Andy seemed to deeply regret his departure, and was 
not at all consoled by Herr von Linden’s promise to 
remain in Florence and act as her cavalier. In the last 
evening her gay spirits wholly deserted her ; she looked 
earnestly at Erichsen, and her merry witticisms could 
scarcely struggle through the delicate pouting lips. He 
took the opportunity to examine the color of those 
strange changeful eyes, and succeeded in coming to the 
conclusion that they looked like emeralds when she 
laughed saucily, and changed to deep blue when .moved 
by emotion ; but they always sparkled like stars under 
the long curling lashes. 

The professor did not think of turning to the neglected 
volumes he had pushed aside ; his head still rested on 
the rare copy of Suetonius, and he gazed at the blue air, 
in which a graceful elf was soaring. Puck and Mustard 
Seed in one person. 

In Rome, by the aid of deciphering ancient inscriptions 
and plunging into historical and archaeological studies, 
he had succeeded in partially regaining the disturbed 


AT CAPRI. 


37 


balance of his mind. He lived more amid the ruins 
than in the modern city ; he was daily to be seen on the 
Palatine and in the Forum, but very rarely in society. 
The letters of introduction he had brought had opened 
the best circles to him ; the ambassador of his country, 
a connoisseur in art and a great admirer of classic an- 
tiquity, had cordially invited the young professor to 
make himself at home in his house and spend his leisure 
evenings with hirh. Walter rarely availed himself of the 
friendly offer, as he generally used the first hours of the 
night in arranging and writing out his notes. 

A February day, which was far more spring-like than 
the whimsical children of a German April, had lured him 
out upon the Campagna. Artists might care nothing for 
the flowers that decked it, since they supplanted the 
golden hue that harmonizes so wonderfully with the 
ruins, but he rejoiced at the sight of the countless anem- 
ones, violets, daisies, and crocuses that sprang up in 
every direction. The Via Appia cuts the wide plain in a 
straight line and crosses the Alban Hills like a white 
ribbon. He had wandered along it for some distance, 
pausing at the most interesting of the ruined monuments 
on the right and left, until he reached the Casale Ro- 
tondo, a wretched inn built on a tomb. He approached 


38 


AT CAPRI. 


it ; a pallid woman, who carried an incredibly dirty child 
in her arms, while five or six others, equally sick and 
dirty, clung to her ragged skirt, opened the gate and 
showed the way to the little grove of olives, which has 
taken root in the old Roman cemetery, and from whence 
a most charming view may be obtained. 

Walter stood still a long time, absorbed in gazing at 
the incomparable scene. The Alban Hills were so near, 
that it seemed as if he could touch them ; the cities, vil- 
lages, and villas rested on the dark-blue background, 
like a white lustrous necklace of -pearls. The jagged 
cliffs and ravines of the Sabine Mountains were dis- 
tinctly visible, and all around lay the silent Campagna, to 
which the ruined arches of the gigantic aqueduct lent an 
air of solemn majesty. Such dreariness and desolation 
at the very gates of a great capital ! Such sterile barren- 
ness, where once extended magnificent villas, blooming 
gardens, fruitful fields ! Never had the melancholy 
conviction of the transitoriness of all human works been 
more strongly impressed upon him. Why should we 
strive and deny ourselves, when each individual was but 
an atom in the great stream that swept nations away on 
its waves ? Was it wiser to win as much enjoyment as 
possible from our short span of days 


AT CAPEI, 


39 


He did not notice how the majestic solitude suddenly 
began to be filled with modern life. The aristocratic 
foreign society of Rome had streamed from its gates to 
attend one of the weekly fox-hunts, at which, as was 
asserted, the hunted animal was never slain, — “ la volpe 
non fu presa,” as the newspapers invariably reported. 
Carriages stopped on the Appian Way, that those who 
did not follow the chase might watch its course from a 
distance. Over the swelling ground of the Campagna, a 
spot so dear to the heart of a bold rider, dashed a 
numerous cavalcade,, ladies and gentlemen in motley 
confusion. They seemed like a swarm of ants beside 
the proud ruined arches, that looked compassionately 
down on the pigmy race. The hunt passed near the 
Casale Rotondo; the tortured fox had turned thither; an 
eager zeal animated the merry throng, who dashed for- 
ward amid shouts and laughter. 

Just at that moment a lady moved aside from the 
group, checked her horse, and raising herself a little in 
the stirrup, gazed intently at the solitary figure standing 
under the olive trees. A blow of the whip urged her 
steed to the utmost speed, so that the groom could 
scarcely follow her; she swept easily over the uneven 
ground, the wind swelled her blue habit like a sail, her 


40 


AT CAPRI. 


veil fluttered, her red gold hair floated around the little 
face, whose dazzling fairness bade defiance even to this 
burning sun. The lithe graceful figure swept forward 
like a bird, while the little hand grasped the bridle with 
nervous strength. Walter recognised her, waved his 
hat, and hurried down the steep slippery path the horse 
could not ascend. She was there, she sought him, she 
left the brilliant crowd for his sake — where were his most 
sensible resolutions? He reached the bottom of the hill 
at the moment she arrived ; an exclamation of pleasure 
fell upon his ear ; she checked the horse so suddenly, that 
it reared almost as straight as an arrow. Before the groom 
could hurry up to aid her to dismount, she saucily exclaim- 
ed : “ Catch mie, Herr Professor and with a sudden 
movement threw herself from the saddle into his arms — 
his arms, that for one moment clasped her closely to his 
heart. She was a little imp, a bewitching little imp ! 
She was glowing like fire from the wild ride, the scarlet 
lips were half parted and trembled with her rapid breath- 
ing, her eyes sparkled with delight. 

^‘Let me get my breath !” she gasped, leaning on his 
shoulder and shaking her golden mane back from her 
forehead. “ Faithless friend ! I have been in the same 
city with you a whole week, and you never troubled 


AT CAPRI. 


41 


yourself about me ! I sent Herr Von Linden on your 
track, as if he were a detective — in vain ! He declared 
you had gone away. Haven’t you missed me at all ? 
You are looking pale from study, because a certain 
little lady has not brought confusion into your learned 
occupations !” 

And as she uttered all this in her clear voice, her 
mischievous manner, she had clasped her hands over his 
arm and raised her nixie eyes to his face. 

He apologized as best he could : he had been several 
days in Albano, and did not suppose she had arrived in 
Rome 

Meantime Baroness Von Valmont’s escort had ap- 
proached, a handsome, faultlessly dressed Englishman, 
with an aristocratic, expressionless face. 

“Oh! Sir Francis,” said Andy carelessly, “pray go 
back to the hunt without me. I am tired — this riding 
across country is too fatiguing for me. Professor Erich- 
sen, whose name, as a friend of science, cannot be 
unknown to you, will be kind enough to accompany me 
home.” 

Sir Francis, with no very friendly expression, raised 
his hat to Walter, and with a low bow to the whimsical 
lady, dashed away. A perfect gentleman, he recognised 


42 


AT CAPRI. 


every lady’s right to act according to her pleasure, and 
would never have permitted himself to criticize her con- 
duct. Walter was somewhat perplexed by this sovereign 
independence. 

“You ought not to have sent him away, Baroness,” 
he said gravely. 

“ Why not ? He bored me enough in Florence ; I am 
glad to get rid of him. Don’t be a pedant, Herr Pro- 
fessor ; I am so glad to have discovered you. Do you 
know that all men seem empty-headed, when I compare 
them with you ? Believe me, I often feel vexed because 
I only creep about on the surface of life, and long for a 
firm hand, which will guide me to its depths — but I am 
too old to change, my talents are wasted !” While 
uttering these words, she had seated herself on a stone, 
unheeding her blue velvet riding-habit, and contracted 
her delicate eyebrows in an expression of grave medita- 
tion. “It is delightful to be alone upon the Campagna, 
let the sun shine upon one, and watch the nimble little 
lizards gliding to and fro . . . Tell me how it used to 
look here — I will try hard to understand you !” She sup- 
ported her head on both hands, so that the red gold 
waves of hair almost concealed her charming little face, 
and a strange dreamy sensation stole over Walter, as he 


AT CAPRI. 


43 


sat beside the charming elf, surrounded by the majes- 
tic ruins of the greatest empire the world has ever 
known. 

By the power of his words, he made the crumbling 
aqueduct once more stand uninjured before her and 
bear water from the mountains to insatiable Rome ; led 
her in fancy through palaces and baths adorned with 
lavish luxury, and showed her the corruption gnawing 
at the root while the branches of the tree still cast majes- 
tic shadows over the whole earth. 

“ It must be delightful to look through the present as 
if it were only a thin mist and discern the past,” she said 
thoughtfully, “very much like the tales of the Sunday 
children, who perceive through the. sides of the moun- 
tains the veins of precious ore within ... If I had 
had a teacher like you, I should have been more sen- 
sible ” 

Then, with a grave gentle earnestness, as if speaking 
to a child, he had told her that it was not yet too late ; 
she need only cease to squander her rich talents in pass- 
ing amusements; honest efforts, accompanied by judi- 
cious reading, would accomplish much. 

Reading ! She started up and put both hands over 
her ears. 


44 


AT CAPRI, 


Don’t speak of it !” she exclaimed with comic horror. 
“ I have a natural aversion to thick scientific books. I 
can’t hold out to read the first chapter.” 

And taking the velvet habit over her arm, she glided 
away in her little top-boots like a will o’ the wisp. 

You can’t imagine what a lazy child I was,” she 
continued laughing. “ I almost teased my governesses to 
death — that is,” she added in a repentant tone, “ I was 
really sorry for it at heart, if they only wouldn’t have 
tormented me with grammar, history, and geography — 
just think, until a short time ago I didn’t know whether 
Dublin was in Ireland or England — we should have got 
along together well enough. Six music teachers tried 
their different methods on me, the seventh ran away in 
the middle of a lesson in sheer despair ; in his excitement 
he even forgot his hat, so I politely followed him into 
the street, and with a curtsey handed it to him. He 
furiously snatched it from my hand, called me a regular 
little imp, and was seen no more. He wrote to grand- 
papa, that anon-commissioned officer with a whip would 
be the only fit teacher for me, a remark which made 
grandmamma highly indignant. 

As she saucily shook back her curls, and with the 
drollest gestures acknowledged her sins, she who a few 


AT CAPRI, 


45 


minutes before had been listening to his words with an 
expression of the most profound thoughtfulness, she was 
really a most incomprehensible creature, entirely unlike 
the ideas he had previously formed of a charming woman, 
and yet inexpressibly bewitching and alluring. 

Andy had ordered her groom to give his horse to the 
professor, so they slowly rode back along the Appian 
Way to the city. The sun was setting, and the weather- 
beaten rocks glittered in its last rays ; the white houses 
on the blue mountains glowed in the crimson light ; the 
old wall of Aurelian gleamed as if transfigured. When, 
as they dashed ^wiftly forward, Andy bent toward him 
to point out this or that object, her silken hair often 
brushed his cheek, and once a long tress even caught on 
the button of his coat, and it cost him a great deal of 
trouble to carefully disentangle it. 

Days followed each other and merged into weeks. 
Walter was a daily visitor at the house occupied by 
Andy’s grandparents ; the general liked him, and always 
called him Herr Lieutenant, because this title, even if it 
had only been borne in the Landwehr, was in his opinion 
far higher than that of professor; -he saw the young 
widow admired wherever she appeared, flitting from one 
pleasure to another, while her eyes ever sought him. 


46 


AT CAPRI. 


Did she love him ? And if she did — what would be the 
result? She did not suit his life, she who had a myriad 
wants, who was accustomed to the refined luxury of 
wealth, who had no idea of the value of money. True, 
she assured him that she really possessed a contented^is- 
position and could easily accommodate herself to modest 
circumstances ; but for instance she could not understand 
why he did not fit up his study, about which he was cor- 
responding with his mother, with leather hangings and 
antique massive walnut furniture. When he gravely re- 
plied that such things were too expensive for his means, 
she looked at him in astonishment and replied, it would 
only be the first outlay and he would have something 
solid and elegant. 

His income was ample for a wife of simple tastes — 
but surely not for Andy, who could not use a hired car- 
riage, and stigmatized a toilette as being very much out 
of taste if the hat, gloves, boots, and sunshade did not 
match the color of the dress. 


AT CAPRI. 


47 


CHAPTER III. 

J_J ERR VON LINDEN, who was always the bond- 
slave of the little baroness, and like a well-trained 
poodle stood ready to fetch and carry anything, often 
expressed himself to Walter as if he were very doubt- 
ful in regard to the financial condition of the Von 
Willberg family. He was convinced that they spent 
more than their income, for they were by no means 
wealthy. The general, it is true, in addition to his pen- 
sion, received considerable revenues from family estates, 
which however would fall to male heirs at his death. 
As for the star, the jewel of the house, the divine Baro- 
ness von Valmont, no one knew what her late husband 
had left her. To judge from her lavish expenditure, she 
must have considerable means at her disposal ; but per- 
haps everything came from the old gentleman, who could 
refuse her nothing. However that might be, some 
wealthy nobleman would undoubtedly be found, who 
would wish to appropriate the costly toy. 

Yes, only such a person could possess the elf: hard- 
working mortals were only permitted to dream of her. 


48 


AT CAPRI. 


Erichsen had already too long allowed himself to be 
bewitched by the little siren. There was still time ; he was 
not yet too much entangled in the net of her golden 
hair — he could still release himself without dealing his 
heart a cureless wound. So he made arrangements to go 
to Naples ; he would remain there several days and 
then proceed to Capri, where he could find the stillness 
and solitude his work required. He had not the courage 
to acknowledge his intention until the moment he took 
leave of Andy. He feared the beseeching eyes, he saw 
the little hands clasped imploringly, heard the sweet 
voice entreating him to stay. 

The hour he secretly dreaded approached. Before 
going to her house, he went to the Pincio, in order from 
its summit to take a last view of the Eternal City. The 
constant bustle of the throng moving to and fro seemed 
to him to-day even greater than usual. Suddenly Herr 
Von Linden rushed towards him in such haste, that he 
nearly knocked Walter down. 

“ Is it you, Professor ! Pray tell me, were you a wit- 
ness, did you see it ?” he breathlessly inquired. 

Walter in astonishment asked the cause of his excite- 
ment. 

“ So you came too late also. Well, that is someconso- 


AT CAPRI, 


49 


tion. Just think — it sounds incredible, and yet a thou- 
sand eyes saw it, and at this moment the baroness’s name 
is in every mouth !” 

“ Are you speaking of the Baroness Von Valmont?” 
asked Erichsen hastily, becoming excited in his turn. 

Von Linden nodded, and wiped the perspiration from 
his brow. 

“ Listen — about an hour ago the horses attached to a 
duke’s carriage became frightened and dashed wildly 
through the dense throng of equipages, which moved to 

and fro in the narrow space ” 

Good Heavens ! Andy was not in it ?” cried the pro- 
fessor in horror. 

“No; but imagine the terrible - confusion : the coach- 
men were busy in endeavoring to control their own 
unruly animals, in order to avoid some terrible accident, 
which seemed inevitable in the crowd ; the gentlemen 
were assisting them, the ladies shrieking and crying. 
The furious horses dashed toward the Villa Medici with 
the carriage, which was fortunately empty. The pedes- 
trians rushed in every direction to seek for safety — when 
suddenly a little two-year-old child, whom the unprinci- 
pled nurse had carelessly left, appeared in the middle 
of the street — a cry of horror burst from the throng, who 
4 


50 


AT CAPRI. 


stood as if paralyzed awaiting the terrible result ; men 
and women had lost all presence of mind — do you know,” 
interposed Von Linden, pausing to take breath, while 
Walter listened in mortal anxiety — “ such a thing could 
not happen with us — our men have more iron in their 
blood and don’t allow themselves to be bewildered — at 
this moment a light figure sprang forward with the 
speed of an arrow and snatched the unconscious child, 
when scarcely an inch from the furious horses. The 
team, probably startled by the dress fluttering close 
before them, sprang back, the so-called men came to 
their senses and brought them to a stand — the heroine 
was ” 

“ Andy !” cried Walter — “ Baroness Von Valmont,” 
he added, correcting himself. 

Von Linden continued: “You have no idea of the 
excitement. The child’s mother, an English lady, who 
came up when all was over, and only heard of the inci- 
dent when her little fair-haired darling was brought to 
her uninjured, behaved like a maniac in her delight. 
Amid floods of tears, she kissed the hands, the dress of 
the little baroness, and the latter could scarcely escape 
from her caresses. An attach^ of the British legation 
just told me that it had been decided to give the baro- 


AT CAPRI. 


51 


ness an ovation ; only they had not agreed upon the 
precise form ; probably a deputation will be sent to give 
her a formal vote of thanks in the name of all the Eng- 
lish residents, after which she will receive a serenade 
or something of the kind, I should never have expected 
such a deed of heroic daring from the dainty little crea- 
ture. Her presence of mind, courage and skill — do you 
know, Professor, she is a woman to rave over !” 

With these words he darted off, leaving Erichsen in a 
conflict of feeling which it would be difficult to describe. 
She had done this act, was capable of it ! She had 
risked her own life to save that of a stranger ! A 
shudder ran through his frame as he thought that the 
venture might have failed ; he imagined the beautiful 
form crushed under the hoofs of the furious horses, and 
the long golden tresses trailed in the dust of the streets. 
And he had not been at her side to protect her ! He 
could have held her back and done the deed himself ; 
he would not have been paralyzed by nervous terror, 
like the elegant dainty gentlemen, the habitues of the 
Pincio, 

An irresistible power drew him towards her — never 
before had he loved her so tenderly, his elfin child, his 
mischievous Puck ! But he must be calmer ere he ven- 


52 


AT CAPRI. 


tured to look into those dangerous eyes ; it was madness 
to suppose that this woman would return his love, would 
belong to him ; and he felt no calling for the vocation of 
a troubadour, who devotes his life to self-sacrificing 
admiration of the mistress he adores. His nature was 
too strong for that ; besides, his situation would not suffer 
him to waste the elasticity of his mind in perpetual 
struggles with a hopeless passion. He must keep his 
head clear, he must — he clenched his teeth — and he 
would ! 

Meantime he had reached her house. An almost end- 
less line of carriages filled the whole street. The porter, 
with a very important air, told him that the most aristo- 
cratic personages in Roman and foreign society were 
calling upon the baroness, but she would receive no one, 
as she felt very much fatigued, so they merely left their 
cards. Flowers had been sent in such quantities, that 
they did not know where to put them. At that moment, 
as if to confirm the porter’s words, an ornament of flowers 
arranged in the inimitable Roman fashion was brought 
up ; the lower portion, composed of violets from the 
lightest to the darkest shades, served as a vase for a 
magnificent bouquet of roses and lilies of the valley. 
The bearer of this was followed by two footmen, who 


AT CAPRI. 


63 


carried a huge bouquet, which displayed the English 
coat of arms formed of a mosaic of flowers. 

Walter was strangely embarrassed ; amid these count- 
less tokens of homage proffered to Andy he seemed 
farther removed from her than ever. He did not suffer 
from any faint-hearted modesty, on the contrary he had 
a very strong consciousness of his own merit ; yet the 
world of luxury which here opened before him oppressed 
him with a half-angry confusion. It was undeniably 
better to drive in an elegant phaeton than to go modestly 
on foot; even if these external advantages did not 
increase a man’s true value, they certainly did not lessen 
it, and if the beautiful exterior suited the noble contents, 
they formed an irresistibly charming whole. He was 

tempted to envy the ambassador, whom he 

met in the vestibule ; he knew him to possess a blame- 
less character and thorough education, moreover he had 
distinguished himself in the last war, proved his capacity 
in every position in which he had been placed, and be- 
sides had a knightly bearing and was an elegant cavalier 
with the most affable manners, possessing neither pride 
nor prejudice. He greeted Erichsen in the most cordial 
manner, for he cherished the highest respect for all 
laborers in the domain of intellect. 


54 


AT CAPRI. 


“ I did not see the baroness,” he said, pressing 
Walter’s hand you will doubtless be more fortunate, 
as you are an intimate friend of the family. I am proud 
of my charming countrywoman. I have already heard 
that she is a most daring rider — no hedge is too high, no 
ditch too wide — but she has now done something of 
which the bravest man might boast . . . Tell her how 
greatly I admire and honor her.” 

Walter looked at the distinguished gentleman in his 
simple elegant costume, with the ribbons of various 
orders in his button-hole, and then glanced down at his 
own dark travelling suit, which his mother had con- 
sidered the very beau-ideal of elegance — why had he 
become faithless to his resolution, never to enter the 
society of those with whom externally he was not on 
equal terms? Andy, whose door had been closed to 
Colonel Von S., would of course refuse to see him also. 
However, it was only courteous to send his card to her 
grandparents. 

The old general was pacing up and down the drawing- 
room, smoking a short pipe. 

“ Isn’t she the greatest mad-cap that ever lived !” he 
exclaimed, turning to the professor. / “ The excitement 
and gossip about the matter are very disagreeable to me ; 


AT CAPRI. 


55 


the whole story will- be in all the newspapers; Andy’s 
name and ours in the largest of type ! And it can’t be 
avoided . . . this confounded freedom of the press ! She 
was always just so ; when a child she once put half the 
city in an uproar, by climbing on the roof of a three- 
story building to release her cat, which had caught one 
of its paws in the gutter . . . My wife is sick in bed, she 
has had such a fright; believe me, Herr Lieutenant, it 
is easier to command a whole regiment, than two ladies. 
No discipline, I won’t speak of punctuality ... I don’t 
know whether Andy will see you, she has retired to her 
room.” 

“ Let the professor come in, grandpapa,” cried the 
clear silvery voice, whose tones to-day exerted an even 
stronger electric influence over Walter than usual. 

“ Go in, Herr Lieutenant. I am really very sorry that 
you will leave for Naples to-morrow ; my granddaughter 
enjoys talking with you, and as she has a great respect 
for your opinions, often listens to your advice. We, my 
wife and I, have never been able to manage her ; she was 
too pretty a little creature for us to exercise the necessary 
strictness; she understood how to beg so irresistibly, 
that a man must have been made of iron to remain stead- 
fast. Then, when we yielded, she laughed and cried 


56 


AT CAPRI. 


triumphantly : ' I have got my own way !’ True, she 
afterwards found a person who was not to be twisted 
around her finger, but it made no difference, she only 
became more defiant and obstinate. However, that is 
of no consequence now. Go in, Herr Lieutenant.” 

The professor entered the little baroness’s room. 
Everywhere, on tables, chests of drawers, window-sills, 
and mantel-pieces, stood bouquets of the costliest 
flowers. Andy was lying on a couch which was drawn 
close to the fire ; outside the air was soft and spring-like, 
but Roman houses are always chilly. Andy’s charming 
face was pale, but the scarlet hue of the lips only seemed 
the deeper. She had exchanged her street toilette for a 
white cashmere morning dress, fastened with blue satin 
buttons and confined around the slender waist by a thick 
blue silk cord; tiny silver embroidered slippers peeped 
forth under the hem, and her unbound hair fell in golden 
waves over the cushions. The firelight played on the 
delicate cheeks, and the nixie eyes gleamed with a 
mysterious lustre. So beautiful, so bewildering he had 
never seen her. She held out her hand. 

“ Come nearer, there is an arm-chair for you, rather 
low it is true, but it is only proper for gentlemen to sit 
at ladies’ feet. There, now don’t put on a solemn face, 


AT CAPRI. 


57 


I beg of you ; there is plenty of formality and ceremony 
in store for me. Just think, I am to have a deputation 
of Englishmen wait upon me ! it will sCem as if I were a 
great statesman about to receive a diploma or an address. 
Oh ! I never thought of it before, perhaps I shall have 
the title of doctor conferred upon me. I have often read 
of such distinctions in the newspapers — how comical if I 
should become your colleague, Herr Professor !” She 
laughed, the same mocking elfin laugh. 

“You look so grave, are you displeased with me?” she 
asked. 

“ I have no right to be so,” he answered somewhat 
stiffly; “ but why do you wish to prevent a friend — I sup- 
pose I may give myself that name — from saying to you, 
you have done a great and noble deed ?” 

“ What have I done ?” she murmured, lowering her 
long lashes and playing in an embarrassed manner with 
the silk cord around her waist. “ I was the only person 
who did not lose all presence of mind — voild tout!' 

“ And you risked your life ?” 

“Because it is of very little value,” she answered 
quickly. 

“Andy!” he exclaimed in a tone of almost stern re- 


58 


AT CAPRI. 


proof. The name escaped his lips involuntarily — fortu- 
nately she did not seem to have noticed it. 

Why yes, I will not recall the words, whether you 
like them or not ! As the helpless child, a sweet, rosy 
baby, stood there with its little mouth quivering piteously, 
not that it feared certain death, but merely because it 
found itself alone and missed its nurse, and the furious 
horses dashed forward — the thought suddenly darted 
through my mind, what unutterable anguish it would 
cause if this bud were crushed, with what despair the 
wretched mother would throw herself upon the little 
unrecognisable body. And I thought too, that I was 
necessary to no one’s happiness. My kind grandparents 
would deeply regret the loss of their plaything, but I am 
not indispensable to them, and often even a torment ; 
they have done without me admirably for years, and old 
people rarely feel passionate grief I should either suc- 
ceed in saving the child, or everything would be over for 
me — true, life when it is gay and brilliant, usually suits 
me very well, but at that moment it seemed — mine of 
course I mean — so worthless, that it would be no sacri- 
fice to relinquish. So I sprang forward — besides, I could 
confidently expect that my fluttering burnous would 
frighten the horses. It was far more difficult to keep 


AT CAPEL 


59 


back the crowd, who wanted to carry me on their 
shoulders across the Pincio to my carriage.” 

“You can twist the matter as you choose, but you 
won’t succeed in dwarfing your generous nature.” 

“ No, no,” she eagerly replied, half rising from the 
couch and pushing back the heavy masses of hair, 
“ nothing of the sort ! I always obey the first impulse 
that moves me. I felt just as I do in hunting, when about 
to take a very high leap, that may break my neck. But 
the sight of the little child stretching out its tiny hands 
beseechingly, touched my inmost heart. A baby that 
could scarcely stand alone,” she added, as if in apology. 

“You are really so superior to other people, madame, 
that you need not seek to surpass ordinary mortals in 
modesty also.” 

“ I admit that few women would have done the act, 
but I deserve no credit for it. I have never yet lost my 
presence of mind on any occasion ; my head always 
becomes clearer and calmer the more imminent the 
danger : the talent is innate, not acquired. Only I don’t 
wish to seem better than I am ; if I am to be misjudged 
at all, I prefer people should think me worse. The 
latter lowers me in the estimation of others, the former 
in my own, and my own opinion is most valuable to me. 


60 


AT CAPRI. 


Let us say no more about it ! If your friendship has 
grown a few degrees warmer in consequence of this 
hour, I shall consider the accident a very fortunate one. 
Do you happen to be ignorant, sir, what a high place 
in my favor you occupy ?” 

The sparkling eyes gazed at him inquiringly. 

Your whimsical majesty certainly chooses to distin- 
guish me,” he answered gaily ; but the jesting tone cost 
him a painful effort. 

“ Why whimsical ? Have I ever showed myself so to 
you ?” she asked eagerly. 

“ No ; you had compassion on the dry bookworm, and 
thought a ray of sunlight would cheer his life.” 

“And so you think yourself justified in being piti- 
less ?” Her voice had lost its clear, ringing tones, and 
sounded muffled. 

“ Oh ! Baroness, that would be as if a beggar turned 
his back upon a king. No, I only wished to thank you 
for this sympathy — for your friendship, if you like that 
word better.” 

“ That is usually only done when one is about to say 
farewell, or stands on the verge of committing an act 
of ingratitude. I distrust those who thank me ; it is a 
preparation for a breach of friendship.” 


AT CAPRI. 


61 


“ That is a very acute remark,” he answered, fixing his 
eyes on the floor, that he might not see the charming 
face ; “ but I am at present in the former case, that is, 
about to say farewell.” 

“ What, you will — you can go now !” she exclaimed, 
opening her beautiful eyes in astonishment. 

How the sweet voice, trembling with suppressed emo- 
tion, pierced his heart ! But he remained firm. 

“ Unfortunately I must, madame,” he said quietly. “ I 
am not here to enjoy myself, but to make the best possi- 
ble use of my stay in the cause of science. Rome offers 
too much to distract my attention, and like the weak 
man I am, I have allowed myself to be drawn into 
society. Pleasure and work are difficult to unite, and I 
shall therefore fly from temptation to a quiet island, 
where nothing will divert me from my purpose.” 

Andy looked at him incredulously — how could he have 
the courage to leave her ! “You must not go,” she ex- 
claimed, energetically shaking the little head, that could 
scarcely support the weight of heavy hair. “ I will not give 
you leave. You need rest ; did you not tell me yourself 
that your overstrained nerves absolutely required relax- 
ation ? Those horrid lines” — she passed her white hand 
lightly over his forehead, “ have again appeared between 


62 


AT CAPRI. 


your eyebrows.” Then as he made a resolute gesture 
of refusal, she continued beseechingly : ** Stay, for my 
sake ! I shall feel so lonely, so desolate without you, 
nothing will give me any pleasure. You explain and 
point out everything in so interesting a manner, that 
I discover a liking for scientific matters, I know not 
how. I believe you exert a good influence over me, 
I should not like to lose you — do not leave me — 
Walter!” 

Oh the siren I If he had been bound to a mast, instead 
of sitting so near her, that he could touch her dress, 
inhale the perfume from her hair. He must surely seem 
like an insufferable pedant — it was the role he always 
filled in the elf’s presence 1 

“ It cannot be, madame,” he answered almost rudely, 
“ I have obtained what I wanted in Rome ; my notes and 
abstracts are made, and I must prepare to work them 
out. I should be unworthy of the favor that has been 
shown me, in supplying the means for this journey, if I 
carelessly wasted my time.” 

“ Why cannot you work here ?” exclaimed Andy, in 
the tone of a spoiled child. “ You need only keep away 
from the few houses you frequent. If any one should 
feel hurt, I will tell the cause of this apparent incivility. 


AT CAPRI. 


63 


You can’t spend the whole day at your desk, so come to 
us in the evening, the morning, whenever you choose. 
I will see that you meet no one ; when you are here, I 
shall refuse to admit any one else.” 

Little goose! The eyes, before which her figure 
floated, could scarcely be fixed with full attention on 
Latin and Greek excerpts. 

“ Your kindness moves me deeply, Baroness,” he said, 
secretly summoning up all his courage ; “ you wish to 
assure me that I have obtained a firm place in your 
friendship. To-morrow, day after to-morrow perhaps, 
you will miss the graye, dull professor, whom you have 
favored for the sake of contrast, just as, a short time 
ago, you declared that you like nothing to eat so well as 
black bread. Not only the stomach, but the soul some- 
times grows weary of sweets and longs for plainer food. 
I was the piece of black bread, which for any length of 
time you would find indigestible.” 

“Walter!” Her lips quivered, her eyes filled with 
tears, and she suddenly burst into sobs ; she wept, wept 
passionately, so that her whole frame trembled with 
emotion. 

How it happened would be difficult to tell — he had no 
recollection concerning it — but he clasped her in his 


64 


AT £APRI. 


arms, her head rested on his breast, her tresses floated 
over him, he saw the scarlet lips, between which the white 
teeth glittered, close before him ... he was a man and 
no saint, hot blood flowed in his veins, his senses were 
not yet dulled — how could he clasp the most charm- 
ing woman in the world and not have his brain a little 
turned ? A fiery stream poured from the golden hair 
over his heart, he felt the yielding, pliant figure cling 
closer to him, bent towards the pouting scarlet lips, and 
pressed passionate kisses upon them. 

How long he continued this occupation, he could 
never remember, he only knew that amid his caresses he 
had murmured: Andy, sweet little Andy, nixie, elf. 
Puck, and various similar nonsense, to which her only 
reply was a happy smile. Then she had gently released 
herself and wiped away with her tresses the drops still 
hanging on her long lashes. Her bright eyes looked as 
blue as corn flowers; she leaned back on the couch and 
curled herself up like a coquettish little kitten. 

Now you will not go to Capri,” she cried with a 
triumphant smile, laying her hand lightly on his arm. 
The intoxication of the moment still bewildered his 
senses, he had not yet regained his usual self-command, 


AT CAPRI, 


65 


his lips were still glowing with her kisses and the world 
floated before him in a golden haze. 

“ Will you be my wife, Andy ?” he asked, bending 
over her. 

Her delicate eyebrows contracted. “ Do not talk of 
marriage — I hate the word ‘ Why must two people, who 
love each other, want to make slaves of themselves ?” 

He did not heed the answer. Will you be my wife, 
Andy ?” he repeated. The intoxication was beginning 
to vanish and the veil to grow thinner. “ My wife ? 
That means will you enter my life, not I yours, bring 
nothing but yourself, and leave your past behind you ? 
I despise those men, who make the possession of 
a woman the basis of their existence. I could not 
breathe in a house, which I had not established and did 
not support. It must always be the husband’s part to 
give, the wife’s to receive — no man who has any strong 
feeling of independence can think otherwise.” 

Andy had averted her head and drawn her long tresses 
over her face. “ Be good, Walter, and don’t torment me 
with such grave questions. I don’t know what I want, 
I only know that I love you and feel a repugnance to 
marriage. Must we, even in this divine country, follow 
the old beaten track ?” 


66 


AT GAPE I. 


“ If it is that of custom — certainly, Andy,’^ he an- 
swered resolutely. “ True you seem to belong to fairy- 
land, yet the laws of this world constrain you also, and 
there is a clever little head on this childish body — as I 
have learned often enough. What reply will you make 
me ?” 

“ Give me the lilies of the valley on yonder table.” 

He did so, although a half angry impatience was 
already taking possession of him. 

Andy buried her face in the bouquet, and eagerly 
inhaled its sweet fragrance, then pressed the damp cool 
flowers against her cheek. “ I will give you my answer in a 
few days,” she said with a curl of the haughty upper lip. 

“ I shall have left Rome to-morrow before you are 
awake.” 

“How cruel! Could you really leave me?” she ex- 
claimed. “I prophesy that you will be very peevish 
without me. People will seem tiresome, you will find 
women ugly and men stupid. You will miss the saucy, 
tormenting sprite, that keeps your majestic self in healthy 
excitement, and plucks at your dignity till it begins to 
totter.” 

“ I suppose it will be so, Andy,” he answered gravely, 
« and yet ” 


AT CAPEI. 


67 


Yet you must be silent and obey me.” She bent 
forward and gently pressed her white hand on his lips. 

He kissed the rosy fingers one after another, but gently 
pushed the dangerous siren away. His head had become 
perfectly clear and his eyes were as keen as ever. “ So 
you say — no ?” he asked. 

I have said nothing,” she pouted ; “ only to-day, just 
this once yield to my wishes, dear Walter ;” — the tone 
was as gentle and caressing as a kiss — “ stay in Rome 
a few weeks longer, that we may see the carnival to- 
gether.” 

Could she really put forth such foolish pleas ? Ah ! 
and she was such a bewitching little creature ! He 
seized his hat and gloves. “ Farewell, Andy ! I am 
Bottom the weaver, and Titania rubs her eyes in amaze- ' 
ment.” He dropped the hand upon which he had 
pressed his lips. 

Walter !” 

He would not hear, pleading as was the tone. 

So you are to leave in the early train to-morrow, 
Herr Lieutenant,” said the old general, who had just 
come out of the dining-room. “I am very sorry, we 
shall all miss you. Your acquaintance has afforded me 
great pleasure. Heaven be praised, you are no stiff, 


68 


AT CAPRI. 


dried up savant, and I prize the iron cross you wear far 
above any new philosophical* system. We shall probably 
next meet again in our native country, for I do not intend 
to go to Naples but proceed to Nice and from there to 
the Italian lakes, to enjoy the beauties of nature a few 
weeks.” 


AT CAPRI, 


69 


CHAPTER IV. 

ALTER had come to Capri, taken lodgings at 
the albergo, and wandered daily to the Punta di 
Mitromania, where he was at this moment lying on his 
back and conjuring up the events of the past few weeks. 
The leaves of the olive trees waved in the breeze that 
came from the sea, the lizards glided from crevice to 
crevice in the cliffs, the waves of the blue Mediterranean 
rolled with a monotonous plash against the rocky walls 
of Capri . . . “ The ancients were wiser than we in this 
respect — they did not torment themselves with feelings,” 
murmured the professor, “ what laughter would have 
been aroused by the sorrows of Werther and Heine : — 

Seit dieser Stunde verzehrt sich mein Leib, 

Die Seele stirbt vor Sehnen, 

Mich hat das unglucksel’ge Weib 
Vergiftet mit ihren Thranen !” 

W'ould have been far more incomprehensible to them 
than the most mysterious sayings of Lycophron. Cham- 


70 


AT CAPBL 


fort declares love to be merely Vechange de deux fan- 
taisies et le contact de deux epidermes. Our most eminent 
thinkers, even those who deride and deny it, have earn- 
estly occupied themselves in investigating its nature. 
Yet a thing that can be so dissected and dismembered, 
must have an existence. The coldest philosopher, after 
having analyzed it physiologically and metaphysically, 
at last confesses that he has not advanced one hair’s 
breadth nearer to the real germ of this mysterious 
feeling. So love exists ; it is a power upon- which we 
must calculate ; but a man of character ought not to 
allow himself to be subjugated by it, if he recognizes if 
as an obstacle in his plan of life. We should steel our- 
selves against it. And so it shall be.” 

A smile played around the young professor’s delicate 
lips, which formed so striking a contrast to the energetic 
chin and broad, massive forehead. He had conquered 
his rebellious heart and bewildered senses ; he had closed 
the wound with his fingers, and now it was almost 
healed ; the scar still ached sometimes, and it seemed as 
if the sun of Italy had lost its splendor, as if the sweet 
odors of spring had vanished from the air. This rocky 
island surrounded him like a firm bulwark ; that yearn- 
ing, that foolish longing was left on the other side of the 


AT CAPBL 


71 


blue sea. It had been a happy thought of his to imitate 
Tiberius and fly to Capri. He liked the place; the 
simple, childlike inhabitants, whose poverty was alle- 
viated by the mild climate, seemed in their habits and 
customs to illustrate a fragment of ancient life. The 
black-eyed Marietta, with her Greek profile and proudly 
curved lips, had become a dear little friend. It would 
have been pleasanter for him if an artist had not been 
seated on every cliff ; but they did not really annoy him, 
since they too busily pursued their work. Even the 
grave woman with the melancholy face, who had already 
passed her first youth, was no troublesome neighbor at 
table ; she talked very little, but her voice was low and 
musical, her words sensible and natural. The only 
uncomfortable person was the fair-complexioned, short 
authoress, who was always trying to find material for a 
novel, and showed a great deal of excitement if a man’s 
eyes rested on her more than a second. She had been 
excessively lively at the table during the last few days, 
and the gay young artists seemed to be amusing them- 
selves by turning her head with compliments. Her age, 
however, rendered a chaperon no longer necessary, and 
Walter’s grave companion merely made a warning ges- 
ture, if the sport seemed carried too far. And the lovely 


72 


AT CAPRI. 


weather, that had favored him ! During the whole 
month there had been only two or three days on which 
he could not seek his favorite seat on the Punta. Always 
the same cloudless sky, the same soft yet invigorating 
air. He watched the approach of spring with new 
interest. It did not come with the same wonderful 
speed as in his northern home, where a week was suffi- 
cient to expand buds and blossoms ; no, the transition 
from winter, which, it is true, was merely a somewhat 
severe autumn, was slow and gradual. Even at the 
time of his arrival, the buds on the vines were so large 
that he daily expected them to open, but they now first 
began to unroll their shining brown leaves. The almond 
and peach trees had been in bloom for weeks, as if a 
friendly Providence wished to give the eyes of men a 
long time to feast upon their beauty. Just such a tree 
stood before Walter; it grew on one of the terraces 
planted with vines, which sloped away to the grotto. 
He thought with delight that he could remain here until 
the end of May; a beautiful portion of Italy would 
linger in his memory. Memory! it was sometimes a 
dangerous gift. 

He sat up and seized the neglected books, to read 
once more a quotation he had just made. But he could 


AT CAPRI. 


73 


not work ; perhaps his mind was weary. He had written 
almost uninterruptedly for nine hours, and might be 
satisfied with the work he had accomplished. Absorbed 
in thought, he drew on the edge of the volume a dainty 
little figure with the wings of a dragon-fly and wonderful 
little slippers. 

“ When I see your dainty little feet, I do not under- 
stand how they can support so much beauty.” 

The hand that guided the pencil was really very beau- 
tiful ; but for its strong muscles, it might have suited 
any lady. 

A glittering green lizard suddenly darted across the 
book. Did it wish to mock the dreamer ? A low laugh 
fell upon his ear. He started. Did that little reptile 
laugh ? The tones sounded so elfin-like among the 
rocks ! 

“Lizards don’t allow themselves to be caught,” said a 
clear voice. 

Walter suddenly sprang to his feet, as if he had 
received a shock from at least a dozen Leyden jars. 
How came she here? Had she flown through the air 
like Ariel, or swum like a nixie from Sorrento ? Had 
she used the sunbeams or the waves as a means of 
transit ? Did those little feet trip as securely over the 


74 


AT CAPRL 


jagged rocks as on the smooth floor ? There she sat, 
about thirty paces away from him, reclining easily and 
comfortably on the edge of the dizzy precipice, the soft 
folds of a sea-green cashmere dress floating around the 
little figure, the red-gold tresses falling over her neck 
and shoulders ; and as she fixed her large sparkling eyes 
on the Siren Isles, the faithless element seemed to be 
reflected in their depths. The almond blossoms were 
not more delicate than the flush that tinged her cheeks ; 
the pomegranate was not brighter than the hue of her 
pouting lips ; and then the delicate line of the dark 
brows — oh ! it was a face that one did not see twice, 
that could never be effaced from the memory, that 
might well deprive the wisest man of his senses. 

Good evening, Herr Professor,” she said carelessly, 
continuing to adorn her little hat with wild flowers. 

He remembered what she had told him about her 
seventh music teacher, who ran away in a rage before 
the lesson was over and whose hat she had politely car- 
ried down into the street; she had undoubtedly smiled 
at the poor man just as carelessly as she now did at him. 

“ Good evening, Baroness,” he replied, forcing himself 
to assume a composure equal to her own, “ permit me 
to call your attention to the fact, that you have chosen 


AT CAPRI, 


75 


a very dangerous seat, a single careless movement might 
hurl you over the cliff. I entreat you, Andy, don’t let 
us have any reckless foolhardiness !” he exclaimed, as 
she turned at his words and leaned far over the edge of 
the rock. 

Have no fear, sir,” she answered smiling, I am never 
giddy, and could walk around on top of the tower 
of the Strasbourg cathedral. What a pretty place you 
have chosen ; Marietta has told me how industriously you 
work.” 

“ Marietta ?” he asked in surprise, “ how did you know 
the child?” 

“ She brought me here and is waiting yonder” — a slight 
movement of the shoulders indicated the direction — 
“ with the donkeys. You know I like to talk to peasants, 
especially Italian ones, there is something so charming 
in their expressions. Marietta and I have become very 
intimate-; I should like to wager, that she has not yet 
told you a word about Cecco, her sposo, who is fishing 
for coral on the African coast, and whom she will marry 
when he returns this winter with his savings. ,It must 
be very toilsome and dangerous to get coral. Marietta 
says she cannot look at the red necklaces without shud- 
dering ; they seem to her like petrified drops of blood ; 


76 


AT CAPRI. 


fashionable ladies do not suspect how many tears they 
often cause. The poor thing’s own eyes grew wet as 
she spoke, for she does not know if Cecco is still alive, 
or whether a shark has not already swallowed him. Of 
course no letters are exchanged between them, since 
they do not know how to read or write. I understood 
the horror she felt at the sight of the corals, so I secretly 
slipped the necklace into my pocket — aow I can put it 
on again.” She drew out the heavy chain and clasped 
it around the white neck, which swayed to and fro as 
gracefully as a bird’s. 

Walter did not yet know whether he was awake or 
dreaming. Once more he asked himself: How came she 
here ? What did she want ? . Merely to show him that 
she maintained her composure unde'r all circumstances, 
that she had forgotten the passionate scene, whose 
memory still had power to stir his blood ? Or did some 
warm human impulse bring the little imp to him ? 

“You have become very silent, Herr Professor,” she 
said mischievously, ‘Hhat is the consequence of the soli- 
tude in which you spend the greater part of the day.” 

“ Pardon me. Baroness, I am not in the habit of holding 
intercourse with elves, will-o’-the-wisps, and other fairy 
creatures.” 


AT CAPRI, 


77 


“ There you are mistaken ; I am a human being of flesh 
and blood, though somewhat peculiarly formed. I really 
have what people call an immortal soul and a warm 
throbbing heart.” 

She raised her long lashes and darted an eager, ardent 
glance at him. What a look ! How many men could 
have maintained their calmness beneath that gaze ! 

“ To convince you of my corporeal existence . . . here, 
take my hand;” she held out the slender ungloved 
fingers ; “ we are friends and have not even pressed each 
other’s hands ! Is that the way people meet after a 
separation, which to me at least” — she uttered a faint 
sigh — “ has seemed very long ?” 

He clasped the delicate fingers and raised them to his 
lips ; a strange ardor thrilled his frame at the touch. 
Had he not been as stiff and wooden as a stock ? Could 
the most enthusiastic imagination dream of anything 
more bewitching than to be alone amid such a beautiful 
scene with this enchanting creature, who seemed to 
have just sprung from some fairy tale? Yonder 
gleamed the blue sea, the gigantic cliffs towered into 
the air, the loveliest bay in the world lay outspread 
before them. Here she sat, with her little feet coquet- 
tishly crossed, drawing her magnificent hair, which glit- 


78 


AT CAPRL 


tered in the sunlight like molten gold, through her 
fingers, while a mischievous smile played around her 
lips, an alluring glance beamed in her eyes. He would 
be a donkey not to fall on his knees and worship her. 

“At your feet, fair queen,” he said in a jesting tone, 
throwing himself on the grass in a position which 
afforded him a full view of the childish face that be- 
longed to a woman. 

“ I like this humility,” she answered gaily, stroking 
his brow with a branch broken from an orange tree. 

“ I do not need perfume to bewilder me,” he mur- 
mured ; “ I fear all clearness of thought has already 
deserted me.” 

“Thank Heaven! Then I can meet you on equal 
terms ; your superiority is usually too great.” 

“ What a charming falsehood I” he sighed. “ Even 
your little feet find that remark too comical, and seem 
to be twitching with convulsive laughter.” 

“ Why do you look at them so intently? Are you 
going to quote Mirza Schaffy again ?” 

He looked at her in amazement. “ Mirza Schaffy 1” 

“ Why, yes ; I don’t think the dainty little poem a 
learned professor was just murmuring can be found in 
Tacitus — isn’t that the man’s name ?” 


AT CAPRI. 


79 


“You have been here so long?” he asked doubt- 
fully. * 

“ I have been sitting here so long without your 
choosing to notice my presence. I was as still as a 

4 

mouse, that I might not disturb your profound reflec- 
tions.” 

A faint flush tinged his forehead ; he envied her the 
talent of gliding over everything as lightly and frankly 
as a child, while she herself was more difficult to read 
than the most obscure hieroglyphics. “ I was not 
thinking of the poet, but merely asking myself the 
practical question, how much these elegant little boots 
probably cost, and how long or how short a time the 
thin soles and French heels would resist these sharp 
stones.” 

•ti 

“ They cost sixty francs, my inquisitive friend, and I 
almost believe they are torn already, though this is only 
the second time I have worn them. 

“ Then your shoemaker’s yearly bill would almost 
equal an assessor’s* salary ?” 

She laughed merrily. “ Let us talk seriously.” 

“ I am very curious to see how you will succeed in 
doing so.” 


80 


AT CAPRI. 


“ Don’t interrupt me. I will show you that I can 
read your thoughts as well as you mine.” 

^‘When did I ever presume to make such an assertion ?” 

“ Daily and hourly, most forgetful Professor.” 

Then you have misunderstood me. On the contrary, 
the most experienced diplomatist cannot be more im- 
penetrable than you — when you choose. What you 
desire to say, it is true, you express so eagerly with eyes, 
smile, hands and gestures, that even a simpleton cannot 
be mistaken about it. In other things you are as close 
as ” ^ 

“ As a fireproof iron safe,” she roguishly interrupted. 

Do you not know that the lock of such a useful 
article can only be opened by a certain position of the 
letters. Suppose for instance we take : W. E., your 
initials.” 

She cast a mischievous glance at him, as she twisted 
one of her curls around her finger. 

“ If you would be kind enough to sit a little farther 
from the edge of the cliff, I should be much better able 
to appreciate your jests.” 

“ You see what respect I have for you — I instantly 
obey.” 

She rose and permitted him to make her a comfortable 


AT CAPRI. 


81 


seat of shawls and cushions, then took up the books and 
turned the leaves. 

‘‘ Is this manuscript the result of your stay in Capri ?” 
she asked, taking it in her hand. 

He assented. 

“ And so — 1” She gazed at him with a strange expres- 
sion of mingled amusement and reproach. 

He finished the sentence. “ So to fill these pages with 
words, which even if they contained hitherto unknown 
information about former days, would not add one atom 
to the happiness of mankind — so you fled from me, poor 
fool! Shall I laugh at or pity you?” 

“ What a pretty arabesque you have drawn on the edge 1 
it looks like a dragon-fly.” 

He bit his lip. “ A schoolboy trick, for which I was 
often reproved at college, but as it seems not frequently 
enough, since I have not yet laid it aside.” She always 
gained the advantage. Oh I Puck, sauciest of sprites, 
why did you exercise your magic arts on one, who was 
not skilful enough to repay your snares and wiles in the 
same coin ? 

“ I know your thoughts exactly,” said Andy, sinking 
down on the soft seat with the graciousness of a queen ; 
“ you are dying of curiosity to discover how I, how we 
6 


82 


AT CAPRI, 


got here. You supposed us to be in Upper Italy, far 
enough from this spot — and the thought probably gave 
you pleasure. Confess it.” 

“ I must decline to answer,” he replied smiling, and she 
secretly acknowledged that a strongly marked counten- 
ance becomes unusually winning when brightened by a 
smile ; “ it would require too long an explanation.” 

“Very well, so be it, I want to talk myself now. It is 
such a pleasure to prattle to any one, who is full of in- 
dulgence, and never, never makes an indiscreet use of 
the most foolish expression.” 

With a frank, trusting glance, she held out her little 
hand. He shook it cordially, as he would have grasped 
a comrade’s — if he had kissed it, she would have been 
offended. 

“ It happened in this way : we had spent too much 
money in Rome — a thing that often occurs,” she sighed; 
“ my grandparents are excellent people, but they cannot 
calculate. I understand it best — don’t laugh, Walter, I 
assure you that I can be only too practical. So we had 
spent too much money and wanted to lessen our ex- 
penses. We formed the heroic resolution not to stay at 
a first class hotel, but go to a cheaper one, where we 
seemed very much out of place, and at the end of twenty- 


AT CAPRI. 


83 


four hours came to the conclusion, that we could not 
exist there, and returned to the expensive but good 
house. The moving of the luggage and the change of 
lodgings of course increased our expenses. Grand- 
mamma, in a fit of economy, to escape the exorbitant 
charges of a French modiste, had a dress made by an 
inexperienced dressmaker : as was to be expected, the 
style was so old-fashioned I would not allow her to wear 
it ; the material was ruined, so new must be purchased, 
etc. These are petty troubles, with which I won’t weary 
you — it is a misfortune that we require so much to live.” 

“ Boots at sixty francs a pair,” he observed with good- 
natured amusement. 

“ My foot looks like an elephant’s in any others,” she 
pleaded in defence. 

He could not help laughing heartily, and as he sat 
below her and saw the tip of one tiny foot projecting 
from beneath her dress, clasped it in his hand, in which 
there w'as plenty of room. 

“ I don’t mean literally,” she said blushing and draw- 
ing it back . . . “ Grandpapa had heard from a friend, 
that living was very cheap in Nice. The good colonel, a 
modest bachelor, had not needed much, and grandpapa 
did not consider in his calculations that there were three 


84 


AT CAPRI, 


of us instead of one person, without including a com- 
panion and maids. If we wished to live more reasonably 
in Italy, we would be obliged to go where there were no 
large entertainments, no drives on the jCorso. On mak- 
ing inquiries, Capri was mentioned as the most suitable 
place, and the physician also recommended it for grand- 
mamma, who has not entirely recovered from the effects 
of the fever. We could dismiss the courier, as Herr 
Von Linden accompanied us ; so we left Rome a few 
days ago, to pay a hasty visit to Naples. 

“ Ah ! what a country!” she cried, extending her arms 
in an outburst of delight . . . this is indeed Italy ! 
God created this bay in a specially happy mood, when 
He said to Himself : ‘ I will make something wondrously 
beautiful, that men may feast their eyes upon it and cease 
their eternal lamentations about a vale of tears 1’ I sat 
down by the road-side, under Von Linden’s charge, and 
for a few soldi bought fruit from the brown ragged 
children,” — she clapped her hands in delight — “ima- 
gine his embarrassment when the ambassador 

surprised us in this situation. As he is an intelligent 
man, he was greatly amused by my occupation, and 
sending his carriage away, made one of the group. 
Herr Von Linden did nothing but smile and bow — at 


AT CAPRI, 


85 


that moment he undoubtedly considered my acquaint- 
ance compromising.” 

“ Is he here too ?” 

“ No, he will follow us in a few days; he ^accompanied 
us to the steamer to-day and made himself useful in 
superintending the arrangement of our luggage. We 
took possession of a suite of rooms at the Albergo Na- 
tional, and ” 

“ The Albergo Nationale !” he exclaimed with a frown. 

Don’t make those ugly wrinkles, I don’t like them,” 
she said coaxingly, bending towards him with inimitable 
grace ; “ it was recommended to us as the best house, and 
the fact that you lived there was surely no objection to 
us.” 

“So you are the noble farriily, who the landlady told 
me this morning with great satisfaction, had taken the 
whole primo piajioP 

“ I really will not prove troublesome to you, rest 
assured of that, you most uncivil of all uncivil German 
professors,” she answered in her clear, silvery voice, 
looking at him with frank innocent eyes, like an artless 
little child ; “ I merely paid you a first visit this morning, 
which would not have been proper in your room— 
usually I will respect your solitude, only sometimes 


86 


AT CAPRI. 


when I think you are overworking yourself, I’ll come 
and chat away your grave thoughts. May I ?” 

Once more Walter felt the sweet intoxication of her 
presence ; the setting sun sent forth crimson rays that 
steeped the world in a fiery glow; the balmy breeze 
played softly over the golden hair, which glittered with 
a purple lustre. Was it so impossible that she could 
belong to him, be his own ? Might not love work the 
miracle of transforming the sportive dragon-fly, the 
mischievous elf, into a true-hearted woman ? 

“Andy, where is this to lead?’’ he exclaimed in an 
agitated tone, pressing his lips passionately to one of the 
long curls that at every movement of the graceful head 
brushed his face. She laid her finger on her lips. 

“ Have I not forbidden you to interrupt me ?’’ Then 
glancing at a tiny watch that hung from her belt, she 
continued : “At the utmost, we have only an hour, 
though I induced the padrona to serve dinner later.’’ 

“You have accomplished that, while we have all 
vainly entreated the worthy dame to defer the dinner 
hour that we might watch the sun set out of doors. 
With what powers are you in league, Andy, that all 
must dance to your magic flute ?’’ 


AT CAPRI. 


87 


“ Except you,” she said reproachfully. 

“ Because I have an obstinate head on rny shoulders.” 
She cast a side-glance at him ; it was a firm, manly 
head, at all events. The type pleased her ; it was one 
she had rarely met. 


88 


AT CAPRI. 


CHAPTER V, 

T MADE the acquaintance of the other inmates of the 
albergo at the second breakfast,” Andy began after 
a pause. “ There are some faces among the artists by 
no means uninteresting, but the toilets of the majority 
were not careful, and they stared at me in silence. By 
degrees, however, they will probably lay aside this bear- 
ishness ; they have already made a beginning. There 
was a lady — oh, sir, I must watch your feminine ac- 
quaintances ; do you know that she blushed when your 
name was mentioned ? She is not exactly pretty, and 
looks older than she probably is, but her face is 
attractive, and her large black eyes might be dangerous 
to many. Her bearing is aristocratic, and she talks very 
pleasantly. I learned from her where you were to be 
found, and farther information was readily volunteered 
by Fraulein Stdsser.” She burst into a merry laugh, 
which echoed softly from the rocks, as if her fellow 
sprites, the elves, were joining in the mirth among the 
crags and crevices. “ Fraulein Stdsser skipped out on 


AT CAPRI. 


89 


the terrace with me — she skips because it gives her a 
childlike air — and raved enthusiastically about the art- 
treasures of Rome. With a single bound she reached 
Capri and you ; then went into raptures over Tiber or 
Tibull — what is the man’s name ? I never feel disturbed 
about confessing my ignorance ; fortunately the time 
has gone by since I hesitatingly answered my gover- 
ness’s terrible questions. Once she began to cry when I 
said that Socrates was Nero’s teacher. I was completely 
bewildered, for I was really fond of her and did not 
understand why she cared so much about these old 
bald-headed Greeks and Romans. Tiberius, is it ? Va 
bene, I have no objections. Now I remember, he is said 
to have been a horrible tyrant ; but Fraulein Stosser 
wants to exonerate him, that he may don the snow- 
white garments of the righteous. She declares he was 
like one of Byron’s heroes — had a touch of Lara and 
the Corsair. She was convinced that some unhappy 
love, the treachery of a woman he adored, ran like a 
scarlet thread through this mysterious, misunderstood 
life. She wants to make him the hero of a romance, 
which she intends to write at Capri, and hopes you will 
aid her with historical notes, and undertake the revision 
of her manuscript.” 


90 


AT CAPRI. 


“She is insane,” exclaimed Walter indignantly. 

“ How imgallant, sir ! The young lady is one of your 
most ardent admirers, calls you a light of science, and 
yet says you are entirely without the usual pedantry and 
awkardness of learned men. She spoke of your lonely 
grandeur and sighed : ‘ Ah ! to know what is contained 
in the soul of such a man !’ I told her that with her 
vidid imagination, it would be an easy matter to trans- 
port herself into such a soul, and as she has taken a 
sudden and violent fancy for me, she timidly confessed 
that she had alreadly sketched the outline of a poem, 
whose hero you were to be. As she uttered the words, 
her ruddy, somewhat fat countenance assumed such an 
ecstatic expression, that I quoted in an under tone : 
‘The poet’s eye in a fine frenzy rolling!’ She embraced 
me with deep emotion, and whispered : ‘ Oh ! you dear, 
sweet creature, you understand me, who have wandered 
through life with none to comprehend my feelings 1’ ” 
The little baroness mimicked the look and voice of the 
worthy misunderstood pilgrim so admirably, that the 
young man at he;- feet could not help laughing. 

“ How mischievous you can be, Andy!” he answered, 
growing graver ; “ you encourage the girl in her folly. 
One can’t walk three steps with her, without hearing the 


AT CAPRI. 


91 


exclamation : ‘ what a charming genre picture, it seems 
made for a novelette !’ at the sight of a group of gos- 
siping women, children playing together, or even a line 
of donkeys.” 

“ Everybody must do what he likes, so far as he does 
not annoy others. What injury does the fair-haired 
authoress commit, except to spoil nice white paper ? — and 
that is always very patient. She has some property, I 
have learned, and does not need the earnings of her 


“ Which is very fortunate, for the earnings of her pen 
would not be very considerable, so far as I can judge 
from the specimens she has shown me.” 

She enjoys seeing herself in print, and if she does not 
require us to read her books, we need not grudge her the 
pleasure. At any rate, you must admit that I have 
obtained a tolerably fair idea of the inmates of the 
albergo.” 

That is, you have not only turned the heads of the 
young men, but even those of the elderly ladies.” 

She laughed saucily. 

“ Not yet. The artist with the black eyes, whom I 
like best of the whole company — I am frivolous myself 
but my taste is grave” — she bent towards her companion 


92 


AT CAPRI, 


as gracefully as a reed — “ this artist is very reserved, I 
feel that she eyes me with distrust. But I will win her 
yet ; it’s uncomfortable to have any one dislike me.” 

“ I am afraid you are a little coquette, Andy !” 

She swayed gracefully to and fro. I may have a 
little touch of coquetry — is it so very bad ?” 

“ Very bad, if your jest is mistaken for earnest.” 

‘‘And do you know whether what you call jest is not 
— earnest?” She glanced at him with one of those 
radiant looks, that ran like fire through his veins, and 
against which he needed to arm himself with a triple 
coat of mail. He wished to seem calm, as, resting care- 
lessly on one elbow, he gazed into her eyes, whose color 
was now the deepest, purest blue. 

“ Elves and butterflies are fickle creatures, they deny 
their own natures when they seek to become stationary.” 

“ Can you not believe in metamorphoses ?” She had 
folded her arms and was leaning back, while a thought- 

t 

ful expression, very unusual to her, rested on the delicate 
mouth. 

“ They are possible, but not probable,” replied Walter, 
“and only to a higher class, from a fairy child to a 
queen.” 

“ Or from a baroness to a countess,” she exclaimed 


AT CAPRI. 


93 


laughing, but the next instant her white teeth were 
buried in her under lip, and the delicate black brows 
contracted in a frown. “ Does that seem to you a higher 
class ?” she asked sharply. 

“ A higher rank, at any rate,” he answered ; the change 
in her countenance had escaped his notice, for he was 
busied in trying the strength of his arm by hurling 
pebbles into the sea. “ The Almanach de Gotha, with 
which your capricious Highness is so well acquainted, 
gives indisputable information on that point.” 

“ You are in a very disagreeable mood, Herr Pro- 
fessor,” pouted Andy; “the air of Capri has roused an 
overweening consciousness of masculine superiority. 
You are resting from your toilsome studies by teasing 
and making sport of me — but I am in a very serious 
mood to-day.” 

“ Indeed ! I have not perceived it. Tell me what lines 
my face is to wear ” 

“ Lines ? No, no, I don’t wish to see any, they used 
to show that your thoughts were far away. Answer — 
for what do you take me ?” 

“ For an excessively spoiled child,” he replied, “ in 
whose path all vie with each other in scattering flowers, 
whom all adore ; for a little lady who always follows her 


94 


AT CAPRI, 


own will, her own whims, her own fancies, who considers 
the world a stool on which she is to set two pretty little 
feet — of course after a cushion has been pushed under 
them.” 

“A friendly sketch of character,” she replied, pettishly 
averting her little head. 

“ Be frank, Andy. My words cannot offend you, 
because unfortunately the reproach they contain conveys 
an equal amount of flattery.” 

“ I prefer to have the latter clothed in a pleasanter 

form. Have you well considered, learned sir, why Andy 

* 

has become a person, who according to your description, 
is a cross between a porcelain figure and an elegant toy, 
and really belongs in a glass case ?” 

” I regret that you intentionally misunderstand me ! I 
was to tell you what you wero, not what you might have 
become.” 

“ Might have become ?” 

“ Yes, if a strong, loving hand had guided you and 
developed the wonderful talents, which you — ” he placed 
a strong emphasis on the words — “ intentionally neglect.” 

“ I have no talents,” she answered defiantly. 

” That is not the point in question,” he eagerly ex- 
claimed. I do not mean that, with an eighth teacher. 


AT CAPRI. 


95 


you might have learned to play on the piano, but that you 
might have been educated, by exerting your intellectual 
and moral powers, to reach a lofty goal. You ought to 
have been taught to exercise a healthful control over 
yourself- — -without this control, we can neither become 
artists and statesmen, nor good mothers and house- 
keepers, nor — in a word — sensible human beings.” 

“ How greatly you are mistaken !” she cried, springing 
to her feet, “ there has been no lack of this control. It 
drove me almost to madness !” She angrily clenched 

her little hands and gazed gloomily into vacancy, as if 

« 

her mental vision saw some hated form. And because 
I suffered for years under this despotic, cruel control, I 
have gained a right to follow only my own will, my own 
pleasure.” Then turning suddenly to Walter, she hastily 
asked : “ Did you know that I had been married ?” 

“ I must believe it, though you seem so childish that 
I should have thought you even now too young to take 
such a step.” 

“ I was a wife eight years — have been a widow two, 
and shall celebrate my twenty-seventh birthday next 
month.” 

As he gazed at the slight, dainty figure, with softly 
rounded arms and shoulders, the small face, beneath 


96 


AT CAPRI, 


whose delicate skin one could almost see the blood flow, 
and the rosebud mouth, she looked like a girl in the 
first flower of her youth. 

“ Herr Von Linden probably described my husband 
as a hard, cold egotist.” 

He bent his head in acquiescence. The singular little 
creature interested and bewitched him more than ever. 

“ He could not say more, for he knew him very 
slightly and was a rare guest in our house. Why did I 
marry him ? No one compelled me to do so ; the act 
was my own free will. To be sure, I had no idea 
of what awaited me in my new life. I fancied it would 
be only a change of residence, and the thought that the 
servants and grandpapa’s officers would call me ‘ Ma- 
dame’ amused me very much. My grandparents might 
have urged me to reflect, but in our circle marriage was 
purely a business transaction. The best people find it. 
perfectly natural that social relations and pecuniary con- 
siderations should decide such matters ; afterwards the 
betrothed couple may be permitted to love each other. 
Men who, I knew very well, would never have thought 
of their brides but for their wealth, and suddenly ap- 
peared in the character of ardent lovers, always seemed 
to me very pitiful creatures. A girl at least remains 


AT CAPRI. 


97 


passive. Other circumstances also exerted an influence. 
My grandparents were very fond of me, but I was often 
a troublesome charge. My father, of whom I have a 
very indistinct recollection, died heavily in debt, and 
grandpapa was not only obliged to pay these sums, but 
also support his son’s orphaned child. The titles of 
General and Excellency sound very well. We kept car- 
riages, gave dinners and balls, and I was dressed like a 
little princess. But the word money was the beginning 
and end of every conversation. We spent more than 
we had ; the end of every quarter brought quarrels, 
because then the bills were received. We always passed 
these rocks successfully, but grandpapa could never set 
anything aside, in order after a time to accumulate a little 
property for me. The officers who had danced with me 
ever since I wore short dresses and aprons, could count 
on their fingers that their commander’s granddaughter 
did not even possess the usual dowry. Many of them 
were rich, but no one suited me. I was too childish — 
fancied there was not a single person who possessed any 
brains, and thought myself far more clever than all, 
Just at that time grandpapa informed me-that Baron Von 
Valmont had asked for my hand. He was much older 
7 * 


98 


AT CAPRI. 


than I, and a great invalid, having had his spine injured 
by a fall from his horse ; but he was a man of good 
family, bore a noble name, was considered honorable, 
possessed a fine intellect and large fortune. A match 
by no means to be despised. 

“‘Did he inspire me with any repugnance?’ asked 
grandmamma, who pleaded his cause like a skilful am- 
bassador. Not at all. I laughed at his sarcastic remarks 
and liked his reserved manners. I always preferred men 
who were cold and distant. I felt more surprise that 
Valmont had chosen me than that I should accept him. 
As every one praised his keen intellect and profound 
knowledge, I thought it my duty to acknowledge that 
he must expect nothing from me in this respect. I had 
learned very little, I said to him ; with the exception 
of a few languages, I knew nothing at all, and doubted 
whether any taste for learning would ever develop in my 
mind. He seemed amused, and assured me that he 
abhorred learned women. If I felt no aversion to read- 
ing, some few deficiencies could easily be supplied. I 
was fond of reading, but my governess and grandmother 
only gave me moral books for young girls, or at the 
utmost a sentimental novel. This was no food for my 
mind, and one day I startled several majors’ and 


AT CAPRI. 


99 


colonels’ wives, who were drinking coffee with us, by 
remarking that virtue was very tiresome. 

“ On my seventeenth birthday I became Baroness Von 
Valmont; my husband was suffering more than usual 
from severe pain in the back, so that he could not stand 
during the ceremony, but was forced to sit, which, as you 
may suppose, was the cause of much comment. It 
made no particular impression upon me ; I knew he was 
often ill, and sincerely pitied him. We spent a few 
months in the country, where I passed my time as I had 
always done. My husband never claimed my society 
until dinner; I could indulge my love for riding, driving 
and hunting unrestrained ; country life was new, and 
delighted me. When sure that no one saw me, I climbed 
the highest trees, and sat as happily as a bird in its nest. 
Reading became a passion. The baron had placed an 
extensive library at my disposal, and I was permitted to 
take what I chose. Imagine a child of seventeen de- 
vouring the works of Balzac ! I looked at life with 
strangely disenchanted eyes, after the hand of this 
sceptical guide had led me through the labyrinth of 
human passions. After this experience, George Sand’s 
novels found me cold — I was bewitched by her descrip- 
tions, but no longer believed the pathetic passages. 


100 


AT CAFE I. 


“A few months after our marriage Valmont had a very 
strange conversation with me. His disease had of late 
made rapid progress; he could scarcely leave his chair, 
and suffered terrible tortures without moving a muscle — 
to that I must bear witness. He was an esprit faussi — a 
certain greatness, a silent heroism, could not be denied 
him. * My dear Andy,’ he said, ‘your life with me will 
prove different from what I at first supposed. My dis- 
ease is developing with great rapidity, and makes me 
indifferent to everything that is not directly connected 
with my physical condition. I cannot give you love — you 
would probably care very little for it — and it does not enter 
my mind to ask it from you. You are too peculiar, have 
too piquante a charm, not to exert a powerful magic over 
men, and a young girl with a lively imagination cannot 
be expected to remain in nun-like seclusion. I have no 
desire, nor will I consent to bind you to my sick-room ; 
you shall have perfect liberty to go into society, dance, 
amuse yourself, and receive attention ; you will then 
bring me a cheerful face, and what I see of the outside 
world through you, will at least wear no sorrowful mien. 

I only beg you to choose me for the confidant of your 
love affairs, for as you are very inexperienced and tolera- 
bly reckless, you might become involved in serious 


AT CAPRI. 


101 


difficulties. A lady must not only show taste, but wisdom 
and prudence in the choice of her admirers. One pre- 
cept I should like to give you, namely that all the 
happiness love can bestow, even under the most favora- 
ble circumstances, can never bear the slightest comparison 
to the sorrow it invariably causes. If you wish to enjoy 
life, avoid this foolish feeling as you would a contagious 
disease.’ ” 

And it was an honorable gentleman, who scattered 
this poisonous blight over a young, innocent soul !” cried 
Walter in an outburst of indignation. Did he have so 
low an opinion of woman’s nature, that he could not 
appeal to the nobler feelings of self-sacrifice, devotion to 
duty, and pity ?” 

Andy shook her head. “ If he had any Meal, it was 
represented in the persons of Lord Chesterfield and 
Chamfort ; he quoted their sayings, their principles had 
become a part of his nature. I distinctly remember the 
moment he said those words to me. I had fastened up 
my thin muslin dress, that I might jump rope to my 
heart’s content in the lonely avenue in the park, where I 
was sure of not being surprised by the servants. I had 
been told that the baron wished to speak to me, and 
panting for breath, rushed into his room with flying, dis- 


102 


AT CAPRI. 


ordered curls. Think, he kept me so for eight years !” she 
cried, clenching her little hands. “ Imagine between 
these fingers a poor bird, the most active and gayest of 
creatures, only able to move its head and wings when 
the cruel vice relaxed a little.” Tears of anger filled 
her eyes. ' “ I am sure that he at last hated me from the 
bottom of his heart. He envied my vigor, my inde- 
structible elasticity and freshness, which nothing could 
crush ; my perfect health probably seemed like an insult 
to his feebleness. The world admired his generosity in 
giving me unlimited freedom, loading me with gifts, and 
intentionally habituating me to the refined luxury of 
wealth, until it became indispensable. Yes, I was per- 
mitted to dance all night, attend riding and hunting 
parties, where crowds of young men always followed 
my steps; but then came hours of torment, when I 
was forced to sit beside him and amuse him. He had 
married me for the sole purpose of having a companion, 
who could not run away. At first I did this willingly ; I 
pitied the invalid, who could only see the outside world 
from his chair through the windows ; but he wanted no 
sympathy, it roused his anger that a stupid little girl 
like me should compassionate him. I must dance the 
tight-rope before him, to amuse him ; he had engaged 


AT CAPRI. 


103 


me for that. Gay and light-hearted, I readily accommo- 
dated myself to this state of affairs, talked all sorts of 
nonsense, told him the news, mimicked various people 
in society, and criticized my admirers, without allowing 
myself to be at all disturbed by Jiis bitter remarks or 
sarcasm. 

Soon he drew the reins tighter, tried to discover how 
he could torture me in the most sensitive spot. For 
this purpose he wished me to lay aside my quick, eager 
mode of speech, and to accomplish this, said a hundred 
times a day in the most courteous tone : “ Repeat those 
words more slowly, dear Andy, I do not understand 
them.” I was forced to look, laugh, turn my head, move 
my hands and feet differently, when in his presence. 

Hours came when I could not be gay, because I felt 
lonely and desolate— I was still so young,” she inter- 
posed as if in apology — hours when I longed for — love ! 
As if some malicious demon had betrayed the sorrow 
of my heart, he required the most absurd harlequin 
tricks of me ; then jeered at my dull spirits, and ex- 
hausted his subtle intellect in biting speeches, whose 
venomed points pressed deep into my soul. You will 
wonder that I have had no romance to tell until now.” 
She laughed roguishly, and the black brows which 


104 


AT GAPRI. 


formed so piquant a contrast to the golden hair,- lost 
their frown. I have loved, or fancied I loved, three 
times.” 

Three times ! Walter was surprised at this frankness ; 
at first it even affected him almost unpleasantly; but 
Andy was an exceptional creature, and as such must be 
measured by no ordinary standard. Her husband seemed 
to have labored systematically to imprint a false stamp 
upon her character — it was a marvel, that she had with- 
stood the experiment so well. 

“ My first love, which as usual was a great piece 
of folly, came to a very sudden and ridiculous end. Its 
object was — as was natural — my cousin’s tutor, who 
instructed me in literature. He had, according to my 
ideas in those days, a wonderfully fine head — I com- 
pared him to Schiller, probably on account of his large 
nose — which rested on a very awkward body. As he 
was not obliged to make any gymnastic evolutions 
during the lessons, and concealed his shapeless feet 
under the table, while enthusiastically reading Torquato 
Tasso or Mary Stuart, this incongruity did not annoy 
me. He was somewhat arrogantly treated in my rela- 
tive’s house, and I, who abhorred any injustice, there- 
fore thought myself obliged to show him the greatest 


AT CAPRI. 


105 


cordiality. I even carried this so far as to prepare 
myself for his lessons, and my governess, who did not 
perceive the cause of this transformation, praised his 
admirable method of teaching. 

“ In a short time he behaved like a fool, sighed 
audibly, brought me flowers, and sang my praise in very 
tolerable verses. The poetry pleased me ; until then, no 
one had thought of offering their homage in this way, 
and as I could not rhyme two lines myself, I looked at 
these productions, which really were not bad, with great 
admiration. 

‘‘After my confirmation, a ball was given to introduce 
me into society. I had used a great deal of strategy in 
procuring an invitation for the tutor, by representing to 
my grandparents that on this day, when my education 
might be considered, in a certain sense, completed — a fine 
education it was ! — the teachers whose patience I had 
subjected to so many trials ought not to be absent. 
Grandpapa praised my consideration, and I gained my 
point. A first ball is an important event — you need not 
laugh, Herr Professor. When we slip into our satin 
shoes, we leave our childhood behind. The long train 
of my cr^pe dress filled me with pride ; I seemed to have 
grown much taller. You cannot imagine how much 


106 


AT CAPRI. 


attention I, the granddaughter of the house, received. 
The most elegant cavaliers strove to obtain a dance. 
The tutor, who timidly stood aloof, did not venture to 
break through the circle of uniforms that surrounded 
me. I cast a glance at him and scrawled his name 
under the first waltz, a distinction for which I was after- 
wards severely reproved. When I succeeded in making 
my way to his side, I informed him of the happiness 
awaiting him. He seemed more perplexed than pleased. 
* Good heavens !’ he stammered, ‘ I fear I shall make you 
angry; I do not waltz well ! ’ Ajid I had just given the 
best waltzer in the ball-room. Count W., a pert refusal. 
To me, to whom dancing was natural — before I had 
taken a lesson, I could imitate the most intricate steps — 
this excuse seemed incredible. How could any one, who 
possessed the use of two legs, be unable to dance ! I 
encouraged him to think he would succeed admirably, 
and took his arm, answering grandmamma’s reproving 
look with a careless smile, as if I did not suspect how I 
could have incurred her displeasure. Meantime the 
object of my enthusiastic regard was entertaining me in 
a very prosaic manner, namely, talking about his boots. 
The shoemaker had shamefully disappointed him; the 
boots ordered for this occasion were not finished. Un- 


AT CAPRI. 


107 


fortunately he had not been able to find a tolerable sub- 
stitute in any shop ; so his feet were encased in by no 
means elegant coverings, which, moreover, were much 
too large for him. As he had directed my attention to 
his ill-shod feet,' I could not help noticing that the 
boots were very thick, especially in comparison with the 
delicate ones worn by the Hussars. We took our 
places ; my ideal really did dance execrably. Whether 
it excited his nerves to clasp me in his arms, or whether 
he was diffident, I know not; but he dashed wildly 
through the room, running against other couples, step- 
ping on ladies’ dresses, whirling into corners and upset- 
ting chairs. When he tried to dance backward, his feet 
became entangled in my dress ; he stumbled and slipped, 
but instead of releasing me, clung the closer, tore off 
half the trimming from my skirt, and brought me down 
with him. It must have looked extremely comical, but 
at that moment I had no appreciation of the ludicrous. 
The younger and less independent we are, the more 
terrible it is to appear ridiculous ; it requires great firm- 
ness of character to be able to endure a laugh. I started 
up before any one had time to assist me; my cheeks 
were burning ; I fancied I read nothing but derision in 
the eyes bent upon me. What I should now consider 


108 


AT CAPRI. 


merely an accident that would rouse my mirth, then 
appeared like an ineffaceable disgrace. If I could have 
sunk into an abyss, I would have seized upon this mode 
of escape with delight. My eyes must have blazed 
with anger, for the poor delinquent seemed actually 
crushed, as I turned my back upon him. Of course my 
love was at an end — how could I care for a man who 
had elephant’s feet, wore thick-soled boots and made a 
scene in the midst of a ball-room? You may reproach 
me with frivolity, but I don’t know whether deeper 
feelings would have endured this trial. I was afterwards 
scolded by my grandparents for my want of tact in 
opening the ball with the tutor, and I must confess 
answered very rudely, for I thought I had already been 
sufficiently punished. I wept half the night, and when 
I awoke the next morning my ideal had shrunk into an 
unbearable pedant. This is the history of number one. 
Number two — Isn’t it strange that I tell you all this ?” 
Andy interrupted herself, looking anxiously at Walter. 

“ I should think so if it were any one else,” he replied, 
casting a smiling glance at the changeful face, “ but not 
with you. Your whole appearance is a charter of 
originality.” 

‘‘ Why should I not confess my follies to you ? There 


AT CAPRI. 


109 


are none of which I have cause to be ashamed. I never 
did anything wrong, never !” She stood firmly on her 
little feet, and her nixie eyes sparkled. “ And I don’t 
tell lies ! Falsehoods are cowardly !” 

“Haven’t you just persuaded Fraulein Stbsser to 
commit a new folly?” Erichsen asked mischievously. 

Andy turned gaily on her heel. “ That is no false- 
hood,” she cried saucily, “ life needs a little comedy, or 
we shall all fall asleep. She is happy, and we are amused 
— an innocent pastime.” 

“ Even before the strict tribunal ?” he asked earnestly. 

“ Don’t be tiresome,” she replied, drawing the spray of 
orange.blossoms across his brow. 

Erichsen did not release the white hand until he had 
pressed a long kiss upon it. “ Now go on,” said he, 
resting on one elbow, and gazing expectantly into the 
delicate, beautiful face. 


110 


AT CAPRI. 


CHAPTER VI. 

' Punta di Mitromania was already veiled in 

shadow, while the crimson light of the setting sun 
still flamed on the sea ; the mountains were bathed in 
hues of still deeper violet, sail-boats glided like swans 
across the smooth surface of the water, and the dashing 
of the foaming waves only reached their ears in a sub- 
dued murmur. It was a happy, blissful state, to recline 
in one of the fairest spots on earth, listening to the prattle 
of a lovely woman and watching the slender lizards dart- 
ing to and fro, glittering with new colors at every motion. 

Go on !” she repeated with a haughty curl of the lip. 
“ How despotic, sir. The sultan could not have given a 
more imperious command to his Scheherazade.” • 

He merely shrugged his shoulders and pointed to the 
lengthening shadows. 

” I had been married two or three years, and was 
already suffering under a tyranny which clothed itself 
in the mildest form, while resting on my shoulders like 
the heaviest yoke, paralyzing my wings and constantly 
driving me to useless rebellion. Among my most ardent 


AT CAPRI. 


Ill 


admirers — it is needless to say that I counted them by 
dozens — was Count P., a remarkably handsome man, 
versed in all the forms of social intercourse, and a mas- 
ter of every accomplishment. He was my favorite partner 
in the dance, my companion at races, excursions, hunt- 
ing parties, for, as my husband’s cousin, he had a certain 
claim to this distinction. Baron Valmont in his most 
sarcastic manner warned me against him, as he always 
sneeringly destroyed every feeling, every interest that 
awoke in my heart. ^ Fall in love with him, if it amuses 
you,’ he said, ‘ but the count is really nothing more 
than a handsome groom ; his soul reeks of the stables if 
his uniform does not’ Such remarks irritated me to 
opposition, and partly from defiance I persuaded my- 
self that I really liked the count He had distinguished 
himself in battle, and women love nothing more than 
courage. His mental horizon, it is true, did not extend 
very far, but he could talk well and entertainingly on 
subjects he understood. 

“ We had both been invited to a brilliant wedding- 
party, given by some relatives living in the country. 
The festivities lasted several days, and as the host was 
wealthy, his hospitality was magnificent ; exquisite wine 
flowed in rivers, and the butler constantly brought fresh 
supplies. The gentlemen’s spirits thus became very 


112 


AT CAPRI. 


much excited, which correspondingly depressed mine. 
The mirth caused by the fumes of wine is exceedingly 
repulsive to me — nay, almost inspires terror, because it 
is impossible to calculate upon it; it seems as if the 
animal natures of men were unloosed, and it is humiliat- 
ing that we, who are proud of our culture and education, 
still have something of the animal in us. Count P. 
could probably bear a great deal ; at any rate he was 
less changed than the others, but I distrusted his flushed 
face and sparkling eyes. I felt his arm clasp me closer 
in the dance, his hand pressed mine — my heart throbbed 

with fear ” Andy’s long lashes drooped, and a deep 

flush suffused her face. Perhaps at that moment she 
regretted that she had not been a little more reserved in 
her communications. Walter possessed sufflcient tact 
to keep his eyes fixed intently on the motionless sea. 
“ I did not wish to dance any more,” she hastily con- 
tinued, “but he would not release me, and whirling more 
and more rapidly in the waltz, whispered in my ears a 
mad declaration of love. Fortunately I only half com- 
prehended what he said, but I felt a fierce indignation 
rise within me, that he should dare, while intoxicated 
with wine, to make declarations upon which he would 
scarcely have ventured in cooler moments. I answered 
in a few grave, haughty words which were probably 


AT CAPRI. 


113 


drowned by the music and buzz of voices around us, and 
when he at last led me back to my place, pleaded fatigue 
in order not to be compelled to dance again. At the 
first opportunity I glided out into the dark, quiet garden ; 
the loud mirth within annoyed me, and the words I had 
just heard had aroused an angry excitement. A man, 
in a fit of intoxication, might address words of tender- 
ness to a chambermaid, but not a lady. I had scarcely 
advanced a few. steps, when I heard some one following 
me. I did not think it possible that the count would 
carry his insolence so far, after the answer he had just 
received. 

“And yet it was he ! He stood in my path, repeating 
his protestations, and when in silent scorn I turned to 
leave him, suddenly clasped me in his arms and kissed 
me !” Andy clenched her little hands, and her eyes 
looked almost black in her passionate indignation. “ He 
will never, never kiss me again ; I cannot conquer the 
thrill of repugnance,” she murmured in an almost inau- 
dible tone, then continued aloud: “Yes, he kissed me 
in spite of my struggles, held me by force — was it not 
unworthy of a gentleman? I thrust him from me so 
violently that he staggered back and darted away. Hot 
tears flowed down my cheeks ; I cannot tell you how 
miserable and dishonored I felt at that moment. A 


8 


114 


AT CAPRI. 


loathing of the whole world seized upon me. The 
count’s flushed, agitated countenance seemed trans- 
formed into the face of a Silenus ; his kiss burned on 
my cheek like a fiery brand. I washed and rubbed the 
spot, and as I thought I could not efface the trace suffi- 
ciently, put a Spanish fly on it.” 

“A Spanish fly!” Walter could not possibly main- 
tain his gravity, and laughed heartily. “ How cruel to 
disfigure that soft, delicate cheek !” It \vas a wild idea, 
only fit to emanate from the brain of a Puck. 

“ Where is the absurdity ?” she asked angrily. “ I 
willingly disfigured myself for a few weeks, to efface 
that disgusting memory. People burn out the bite of a 
mad dog — a man who can no longer control himself 
inspires me with still greater terror and aversion. The 
next morning I drove home, pleading a violent tooth- 
ache ; the Spanish fly gave the excuse a show of proba- 
bility, and my acquaintances wondered that I had not 
shrunk from such a harsh remedy. I longed to reach 
my husband, he was my only protection, and although 
he wounded and tortured, he never insulted me. Sob- 
bing bitterly, I told him what had happened, and pro- 
tested that I was not aware of having given cause for 
such insolence. He answered courteously, that the 


AT CAFEI. 


115 


matter required neither defence nor apology, he was far 
from imputing any blame to me. 

“ ‘ I told you,” he added, “ that the count is a handsome 
groom, and when excited by wine, he treated you like a 
pretty maid-servant. A man, who does not know in 
advance what reception such caresses will meet, is either 
a donkey or a brute, frequently both.’ This was the 
tone he adopted towards me, when I was longing for one 
word of comfort and encouragement. I did not see the 
count again. When, after a few weeks, I forgot the 
painful scene and once more entered society, he had 
left the city. I suppose Valmont, who often assisted his 
cousin when the latter was embarrassed for money, had 
dictated this punishment. 

“ It would be better for me to say nothing of the last 
three years ; my blood boils when I remember them and 
recall all I endured. Death is said to exert a reconciling 
influence — but it failed to produce that effect on me. 
Do not blame me, when I say I uttered a sigh of 
relief when Valmont at last closed his eyes. I was re- 
leased, set at liberty, I could not feign, my eyes had no 
tears, and only consideration for my grandparents in- 
duced me to wear mourning. Why should I don black 
garments, when my heart was exulting like a lark? 
During the last few years of his life, Valmont had no longer 


116 


AT CAPRI. 


allowed me to see any one ; in his coldly courteous 
manner he explained, that I was too young and imprudent 
to go into society alone ; besides it would give rise to 
severe criticism, if for the sake of amusement, I left 
him when his sufferings were known to be increasing. 
I yielded, because I was compelled ; I would have done 
so gladly, if I had thought his heart desired my presence. 
But no, he played with me cruelly, as a cat tortures a 
mouse, and it afforded him Satanic pleasure to clip more 
and more closely the wings of the little bird placed in 
his power; he irritated me to anger, and then laughed 
at my childish tears, till I learned to repress them. I 
was forced to read aloud to him for hours, and he inten- 
tionally selected books I could not understand, sceptical 
philosophies, which he pitilessly explained. I accustomed 
myself to read mechanically, without thinking of the 
contents, for I thus best escaped the torture. When he 
noticed it, he interrupted me at every sentence and asked 
my opinion ; it interested him to observe the effect of 
these teachings upon an entirely uncultivated mind. 
Then he treated me almost like a simpleton, whose feeble 
brain could scarcely grasp the plainest subject. It is 
true, I had little positive knowledge, but I was neither 
stupid nor hard to understand. I had a quick, uncon- 
scious perception of the true and beautiful, and the 


AT CAPRI. 


117 


things that pleased me were certainly neither evil nor 
insignificant. A few months before his death, I experi- 
enced a moment, which even now I remember with 
satisfaction, for it avenged me on my tormentor. Val- 
mont had one day driven me to extremities, when 1 
started up and approaching close to him, said in a voice 
trembling with passion : ‘ Do not believe I am so simple 
as not to perceive your real design. You intend to crush 
all my vivacity and strength, because you envy both 
these gifts. Your much praised stoicism in the enduV 
ance of bodily suffering does not excite my admiration ; 
I can only admire one whose soul rises to real grandeur ; 
on the contrary I despise you, because you are consumed 
by the petty, feminine, pitiful feeling of envy. You envy 
me my youth, my health, the freshness and power of my 
intellect, but I assure you you will not succeed in bending 
me ; there is steel and iron in my blood when I wish to 
offer resistance, and I am sustained by the consolation, 
that this slavery will not last for ever.’ He grew ashy 
pale, as if he feared my flashing eyes, and with an attempt 
at a scornful smile, replied : ‘ Do you allude in this friendly 
manner to my death ?’ ‘ Yes,’ I answered fearlessly, 

' the first day of freedom will repay me for all I have 
suffered. I will throw myself exultantly into the gay 
stream of society, and eagerly enjoy all of which I have 


118 


AT CAPRI. 


been deprived. Whether I must wait for that day a 
longer or shorter time is immaterial, I know it must 
come. According to the principles you have inculcated, 
you will believe it impossible for me to mourn you — what 
should induce me to do so ? Only those who have given 
pleasure to some one are lamented — perhaps your valet 
will miss you, but I do not think it probable — and now 
I will read on.’ The fact that I quietly sat down and 
continued to read in a perfectly steady voice as if nothing 
had occurred, produced the greatest impression upon 
him. I am well aware that a gentle, yielding person 
would not have addressed such harsh words to an almost 
dying man, but I am not gentle and yielding, I love those 
who love, and hate those who hate me. 

“ Besides, my outburst of indignation had the best 
results ; Baron Valmont probably perceived that he was 
mistaken in believing me a thoughtless child ; he re- 
spected my powers of observation, and therefore gradually 
omitted the daily tortures. At last I even thought I 
detected traces of a warmer feeling, for — but that is 
connected with number three, my third lover,” she inter- 
rupted herself, blushing 

“You are exciting yourself by these reminiscences, 
Andy,” said Walter, taking her hand. “ How often we 
err in judging the people with whom fate casts our lot! 


AT CAPE I, 


119 


I believed your life had been one of constant sunshine. 
Forget the past; nowhere can you do so more easily than 
amid these beautiful scenes. Look at the purple hues 
on the coast of Sorrento. The last greeting of the 
sun !” 

“ I have accustomed myself to forget,” she eagerly 
replied ; “ no one has a greater talent for effacing un- 
pleasant pictures from the memory, than I. I merely 
make these confessions, that you may know the gay, 
envied Baroness Valmont has had her share of the com- 
mon capital of grief So my third love ” — She averted 
her face till it was concealed by her luxuriant curls, and 
stirred the loose pebbles with the tip of her tiny foot. — 
“ It touched my heart” — her voice trembled slightly — 
“ and prepared me bitter sorrow. He was a musician 
of great genius ; I heard him play, and his wonderful 
violin completely subjugated my soul ; tones such as he 
lured from the instrument, might stir the calmest nature. 
He was a god, a demon, when he wielded the bow. I 
often met him at the house of a friend ; even outside the 
concert-room he was an interesting person, a Slavonian, 
that is, polished, ardent, fascinating, well versed in the 
forms of society, but faithless and unreliable. He pos- 
sessed a few letters from me, written on formal occa- 
sions ; it was perhaps imprudent to have entered into 


120 


AT CAPRI. 


friendly relations with him at all, but they did not 
contain a word of which I had reason to be ashamed. 
Whether to gratify his vanity, or because he thought he 
should induce me to take an extreme step more quickly 
by compromising me, I know not, but he was dishonora- 
ble enough to show these letters, especially their signa- 
tures, in a circle of young people, without allowing 
them to see their contents, which would have removed 
every suspicion. I had been very deeply attached to 
him, more so than I would have confessed, and I was the 
more deeply wounded by this despicable boasting, whose 
sole object was to show the world that the Baroness 
Von Valmont also had a place in Don Juan’s catalogue. 
One of my husband’s friends called him to an account ; 
he was compelled to give up the letters and state in 
writing that he had been guilty of a base calumny. I 
felt deeply touched, that Valmont on this occasion 
uttered no sarcastic, scornful remark, but showed a 
compassionate consideration. I soon held up my head 
again, and recovered from the shock of this experience 
more rapidly than I had at first expected. Valmont 
restored my letters, and on this occasion a singular 
conversation took place between us. I was sitting, 
according to my custom, at the window reading aloud ; 


AT CAPRI. 


121' 

he gazed intently at me a long time and then begged 
me to come nearer. I approached the chair, which he 
had not left for years, and asked what he desired. ‘ I 
have done you a service to-day, Andy,’ said he. I nod- 
ded and replied : ‘ A service, which no man of honor 
would have refused a defenceless woman’ — ‘ You do not 
thank me for it ?’ — ‘ I have thanked your friend, who 
dealt the punishment’ — ‘I too should like to hear a 
word of thanks from your lips’ — ‘ Je vous remercie! I 
replied, intentionally using the coldest language in the 
world, and just touching the hand he extended — 

‘ Would you give me a kiss?’ he asked — ‘Never!’ I 
exclaimed, recoiling as if from the sting of a viper, and 
then remembering that it was the man to whom I legally 
belonged, who had made the request, I added : ‘ If you 
insist upon it, I will obey ; I can do it as well as to give 
you your daily injections of morphine’ — ‘ I will not put 
your powers of endurance to so severe a test,’ he re- 
plied, ‘ you have an icy nature’ — ‘ I !’ I thoughtlessly 
exclaimed, ‘ if I loved any one, I would allow myself to be 
kissed to death ?’ A glance like the stroke of a dagger 
fell upon me. ‘ Be kind enough to go on with your read- 
ing, Andy.’ I already regretted the words that had 
involuntarily escaped me ; they were unnecessarily cruel. 


122 


AT CAPRI, 


but I could not recall them. How terribly they had 
angered him, I learned afterwards to my sorrow in the 
will ” 

The young baroness gazed gloomily into vacancy. 
vValter did not interrupt the silence. She was the most 
singular being he had ever met : child, girl, woman, all 
in one, she united the lights and shadows of each period 
of life. Even though he understood how she had be- 
come so, the result bewildered him. 

“ I have been a widow two years,” she said in a gayer 
tone, pushing back her heavy hair with both hands, and 
putting on her little hat, “ and live with my grandparents 
again, as I am not old enough to set up a separate 
establishment.” 

“ I should think- so,” he answered, laughing ; “ when 
I saw you in Florence, I took you for a little girl fresh 
from boarding-school, who was seeing the world for the 
first time.” 

“And I am seeing it for the first time !” She started 
up and extended her arms exultantly, “ and I did not 
dream how beautiful it was ! I should not like to return 
to the gray, cold North, where, from pure thinking and 
working, people cannot enjoy themselves. Only a na- 
tion like the Germans could be satisfied with their harsh 


AT CAPRI. 


123 


climate and barren nature ; as the earth offers few 
charms, they occupy themselves with abstract specula- 
tions. What do people need here ? A few olive and 
orange trees are enough for the support of a whole 
family, who enjoy far more than our country can give 
any well-established ” 

“ Professor,” said Walter, gaily, completing the sen- 
tence. 

^‘Yes, indeed, than any horribly learned Professor. 
Come, Walter, I shall convert you to my divine frivolity; 
away with the stupid old trash.” She pushed the heap 
of books with her foot. 

“ My Geneva edition !” he exclaimed, bending over 
them. It cut him to the heart that she took so little 
interest in science. 

” Let them lie ; Marietta will pick them up carefully ; 
books are sacred to a person who cannot read.” 

She hurried up the steep, dangerous path before him. 
The delicate green dress, the gauze veil, the gleaming 
hair floated in the wind ; oftentimes a stone rolled away 
from under the tiny feet, and she seemed to slip, but 
refused the arm he offered, and recovered her balance 
with wonderful ease. Puck, Cobweb or Mustard-Seed 
could not have moved moro boldly. And how gay was 


124 


AT CAPRI. 


the return to the albergo ! Andy sat on Marietta’s 
donkey, whose docility and sprightliness distinguished 
him in a most favorable manner from his Northern 
blood-relations. A throng of brown-skinned children 
and half-growiT girls, whose black hair hung in disorder 
over their foreheads and cheeks, had joined them, be- 
cause a report had spread abroad that the Signora with 
the golden curls w'ould buy everything that was offered. 
Walter warned her not to be too generous ; the islanders 
were like children, who, if an inch was granted, took an 
ell ; she would soon be unable to take a step without 
being haunted by their persistent begging. Andy 
laughed, and thought it delightful that all these people 
seemed to have no other occupation than to form a 
voluntary escort for strangers. She had provided her- 
self with an inexhaustible stock of soldi and small coins, 
and took everything the dirty hands offered. She 
talked to each individual, and the crowd praised the 
'' gentile zza'' of the fair-haired '' principessa '" — she must 
be a princess at least who understood their language so 
well. 

“We shall probably have the entire population at our 
heels, by the time we reach the albergo,” observed 
Walter, as several old women, who sat before the houses 


AT CAPRI. 


125 


spinning, swelled the procession ; a man who was trim- 
ming vines in a garden, interrupted his work, and also 
joined the party. Andy’s little hat was filled with flowers, 
she held in her hand a large bouquet, and moreover had 
thrust into her own and the professor’s pockets an im- 
mense quantity of articles only fit to be thrown away : 
shells, star-fish, branches of black coral, bits of marble 
said to have been taken from Tiberius’s villa, shining 
pebbles, etc. She felt a childish pleasure in these things, 
and always stretched out her hands for every new article. 


126 


AT CAPRI. 


CHAPTER VII. 

^ Albergo Nationale lay in the hollow between 

the mountains, that towered above the village of 
Capri on the east, and the high plateau on the west. 
Accommodating itself to the inequalities of the ground, 
it required long study to find one’s way ; stairs, terraces 
and balconies united and divided the different stories ; if 
one had entered on one side from level soil, he might 
confidently expect to descend several steps on the other. 
For instance, there was a mysterious communication 
between the apartments occupied by General Von Will- 
berg’s family and the highest terrace, which Andy particu- 
larly liked, and declared she intended to choose for her 
favorite seat. 

The professor’s windows opened upon a loggia, which 
was his undisputed domain, and afforded a view of the 
steep staircase in the rocks, that leads to Anacapri, and 
whose five hundred and thirty-five steps were ascended 
several times a day by women and children, bearing 
heavy burdens on their heads. P'rom the loggia one 


AT CAPRI, 


127 


could reach — that is, if he were not afraid of taking a 
leap — an orange and citron garden, rich in fruits and 
flowers, where the roses were already unfolding their 
fragrant buds, and which was enclosed by a high wall 
that supported Andy’s terrace, which afforded a beautiful 
view of the Mediterranean and Neapolitan coast. The 
padrona had good reason to be proud of the situation of 
her house. The rooms were large, protected from the sun, 
the dining-hall spacious and airy, furnished with blue 
glazed tiles, whose smoothness was even more dangerous 
than the most polished floor ; on the walls hung all sorts 
of genre pictures and landscapes of questionable merit, 
with which artists had made good the deficiencies in 
their bills. The owner’s eyes did not willingly linger on 
these paintings, for which she thought she had paid far 
too much ; as souvenirs they were tolerably indifferent to 
her practical mind. She preferred strangers, who tra- 
velled with couriers and servants and required a great 
deal of attention, to the brightest stars in the sky of 
art. 

On the evening of this same day, the artist with the 
grave earnest eyes, was standing at the open window of 
a small, very plainly furnished room. She had extin- 
guished the light, in order not to attract the insects, 


128 


AT CAPRI. 


those torments of Southern climates. The lady was 
somewhat beyond her first youth ; her face had either 
never been remarkable for freshness of coloring, or 
the hand of care had prematurely effaced its bloom ; 
but the yellowish tinge of the pale complexion only 
made the regularity of the features more apparent. Beau- 
tifully formed brows arched over the dark eyes, and the 
thick hair, arranged in heavy braids, was a beauty in 
itself The impression produced by the whole appear- 
ance was peculiar, rather than attractive. The broad 
brow and firmly compressed lips spoke of strength of 
will and intellectual toil. She might have been a 
daughter of the country in which she resided to pursue 
her studies ; her tall slender figure, in the floating robes 
of a priestess, would have been a perfectly harmonious 
object in the temple of Psestum. She had not, however, 
been born on classic soil, but under the misty sky of 
North Germany. 

Fraulein Gertrude Stade was a Hanoverian, and had 
first seen the light of this world near Luneburg., through 
heavy clouds of peat-smoke. How a love of brilliant 
coloring, a talent for depicting glowing hues, was de- 
veloped in the mind of the child amid such dull sur- 
roundings, shading from gray to brown, would be dififi- 


AT CAPRI. 


129 


cult to explain. Enough that it was so ; that she found 
patrons, who gave the talented girl a sum which, though 
small, rendered it possible for her to go to Paris and 
study under Couture. Her kindly, commonplace mo- 
ther had never been able to understand how she hap- 
pened to have such a daughter; it seemed to her a 
much more solid and tangible method of gaining a live- 
lihood to sew and embroider for money, or at any rate 
to teach school. Gertrude could undoubtedly have 
passed the examination, for she had a clear head, and it 
had never been difficult for her to learn. If only this 
dabbling with brushes and colors had not interfered! 
Every penny of the scanty pocket-money she earned 
by sewing was expended in bribing the children she 
sketched and painted to sit still. And the stay in Paris 
was a torture to the widow I Gertrude was young and 
by no means ugly — who knew what might happen to 
her there ? Of course no one in the little city would 
wish to marry her when she returned. 

But she did not return, except to make visits. What 
could the struggling, ambitious girl, who was literally 
starving for her art, have found to do in the little town B 
Perhaps the mayor or the grocer at the market might 
have given her orders to paint their portraits — v/hich 
9 


130 


AT CAPRI. 


would have been merely an act of kindness, for to sup 
pose that a native of the town, and a girl into the bar- 
gain, could really do any good work, was asking a great 
deal — but Gertrude did not desire this honor. If she 
had not brought her mother the round sum of several 
hundred thalers as the price of her last picture, the 
latter would have doubted whether her so-called artistic 
education had led to any useful result. The young girl 
was forced to renounce the idea of taking her mother to 
Munich ; she had had such bright dreams of thus giving 
her a peaceful old age and establishing a comfortable 
home for herself, but soon perceived how impossible it 
would be to tear the old woman from her native town ; 
she could be no support to her daughter, but a hin- 
drance ; her worrying and lamenting would have ex- 
erted a paralyzing effect on her labors. So she con- 
tented herself by regularly sending home a portion of 
her receipts, which were by no means large, as she was 
too proud and scrupulous to ask great prices. 

Her solitary life enabled her to devote herself exclu- 
sively to her art, it is true ; but it often seemed very 
cold and charmless. She had chosen a man’s profession, 
but was too womanly in her nature to seek recreation in 
a man’s way. She could not make excursions to the 


AT CAPRI. 


131 


mountains alone ; she could not go to a public garden ; 
after a walk in the suburbs, she could do nothing but 
spend the evening in her own room. She was not yet 
old enough to be indifferent to certain forms, and her 
nature was too independent to rely upon strangers.* The 
journey to Italy had long hovered before her mind ; she 
hoped to return with fresh energy and a portfolio well 
filled with sketches. The execution of this plan had 
been delayed, because she wished to find a companion ; 
she might perhaps have procured letters of introduction, 
but if she did not cultivate these acquaintances, they 
could be of no use to her, and her time was too valuable 
to be spent in paying visits and attending parties. By 
accident she made the acquaintance of Fraulein Stosser, 
who, as she was an authoress and lived in Weimar, 
thought a journey to Italy indispensable. Had not 
Goethe, on that sacred soil, become the prince of poets ? 
The prospect of going to that land of wonders with a 
kindred soul aroused all her enthusiasm ; she declared 
that she would place herself entirely under Gertrude’s 
guidance and protection — she happened to be several 
years older than the latter — and in her delight behaved 
like an artless child. 

Both ladies had spent the winter in Rome, and gone 


132 


AT CAPRI. 


in the spring to Capri, where they arrived about the 
same time as Walter. Gertrude, half undressed, with 
her bare arms folded on her breast, leaned motionless 
against the window, gazing at the bright moonlight, 
which revealed in the clearest outlines the bare rocky 
walls of Anacapri. What a magical effect this light must 
have upon the sea ! Unfortunately she had been com- 
pelled, from motives of economy, to relinquish her 
desire to take a room with a more extensive view ; her 
purse would permit no unnecessary expenditures. 

Some one knocked softly at the door. Gertrude 
turned, and frowning, called in by no means the most 
amiable tone, “ Come in !” It must be confessed that 
her disposition was not invariably sweet, and she did not 
have much patience with the weaknesses of others ; as 
she troubled no one, she wished no one to disturb her, 
and often coldly and rudely repelled advances that 
annoyed her. The door opened gently, and Fraulein 
Stosser cautiously thrust in a head adorned with sau- 
sage-like curls. The figure belonging to the head was 
wrapped in a dressing-gown, whose yellowish-white tint 
might be attributed to the want of skill of Italian laun- 
dresses ; a ruffled petticoat, which had evidently done 
duty for a week, completed a dishabille which its wearer 


AT CAPRI, 


133 


considered extremely bewitching. She glided nimbly 
into the room, closed the door and drew the bolt. 

“ What a pity that we do not occupy adjoining rooms ! 
I always want to talk to you at night,” she said, putting 
her arm around Gertrude’s slender waist. 

I prefer to begin and end the day in silence,” replied 
the other, who never made any response to demonstra- 
tions of tenderness. 

“You are strong-minded, I know; you fear nothing, 
and need no one. I, on the contrary, am a poor timid 
little hare.” Fraulein Stdsser thought this comparison 
very pretty, though it was by no means appropriate, since 
the little hare had long since become a full-grown 
animal. “ I a.ssure you I fairly flew up the stairs and 
along the corridors; just think, suppose I had suddenly 
met one of the gentlemen ! I should not have known 
what to do in my confusion. To be surprised in 
negligd !” She cast a timid glance at her dressing-gown. 

Gertrude drew out the last pin that confined her mag- 
nificent hair, and the long thick braids fell heavily on 
her shoulders. “You were unnecessarily troubled ; these 
gay artists are far too indifferent to old maids like our- 
selves, to consider us worthy of their attention.” 

“ Old maids !” pouted the blonde. “ You try to make 
yourself seem older than you are.” 


134 


AT CAPRI. 


Not at all ; it is only prudence ; we must be pre- 
pared for old age, then we can await it calmly. A per- 
son who tries to cling to her vanishing youth is a sorry 
spectacle. Believe me, we can not only protect our- 
selves, but others.” 

” Any one who heard you talk, would suppose you 
were at least fifty years old,” replied Camilla, peevishly. 

Consider what effect it would produce, if you should 
describe in one of your novels a young girl of thirty 
or thirty-two summers — you would laugh at it your- 
self” 

Fraulein Stosser’s face assumed a very morose ex- 
pression; she could lawfully claim the last number of 
years, with the addition of three, but did not insist upon 
her rights. She thought it advisable to give the con- 
versation another turn, for Gertrude seemed to be in a 
particularly bitter, inaccessible mood. 

Can you guess what induced me to come to you at 
so late an hour?” 

“ No.” 

“ How can you be so apathetic? I believe you are 
interested in nothing but brushes and colors.” 

“That is necessary, my dear Camilla, for they are 
my sole means of support, and I have to provide not 
only for myself, but my mother.” 


AT CAPRI, 


135 


“Yet you might sometimes turn your attention to 
persons and things not directly connected with your 
profession — but you scarcely trouble yourself about your 
companions in art.” 

“ Ah ! yes I do, when I can learn anything from 
them.” 

“ Then those who are here probably do not belong to 
that class ?” 

“ The majority certainly know no more than I.” 

On some occasions Gertrude surely could not be 
reproached with overweening modesty. 

“ The interesting professor is the only person who 
finds favor in your eyes — Ah ! you blush, have I caught 
you ?” Fraulein Stosser clapped her hands with childish 
delight, and gave her friend an affectionate kiss, expect- 
ing that the latter would instantly respond with a 
detailed description of the state of her heart. But it 
was not so. To be sure, Gertrude had changed color at 
the mention of Walter’s name, but she quickly repressed 
the treacherous emotion. * 

“ Pray, Camilla, don’t imagine all sorts of foolish 
things, which are entirely unfounded,” she said coldly. 
“ As I was placed next Herr Erichsen at table, he cannot 
very well avoid sometimes addressing a few words to 


136 


AT CAPRI. 


me. If I blushed, it was from annoyance at seeing the 
most ordinary civility misinterpreted. The professor 
would be surprised, that his name should be used in 
connection with that of an old maid artist.” 

“ Don’t be so angry ; I will say nothing, though you 
can’t forbid my making my own observations,” replied the 
blonde authoress, noticing Gertrude’s angry expression ; 
“ at any rate you have a rival in this charming, bewitch- 
ing Baroness Von Valmont, of whom I must talk to 
you. She has put the whole house in an uproar. Did 
you notice that all the gentlemen were dressed as care- 
fully as possible at dinner to-day ?” 

Gertrude nodded, and with a somewhat scornful smile, 
replied : 

“ I noticed the unusual excitement, when I returned 
home. Velvet coats were being beaten and brushed 
before every door, poor Pietro was rushing wildly from 
one story to another to satisfy the unusual demand for 
hot water and well blacked boots. ‘ Sono tiitti matti 
oggi, i Signori!' he said to ine, because he had received 
orders to summon the barber at a very uncommon hour. 

“ All in honor of the baroness ! But isn’t she a divine 
creature ?” 


“ I never saw any one like her.’ 


AT CAPRI. 


137 


“ The creation of some fairy tale. If I were you, I 
would paint her; you will not find such a model a second 
time.” 

“ I am sure of that ; the color of the hair is incomparable. 
She would make a wonderful Arethusa, or better still a 
nixie, with the upper part of her body rising from a 
mysterious forest lake, illuminated here and there by 
stray sunbeams, and her marvellous eyes irresistibly al- 
luring into the depths some weary wanderer reclining on 
the shore. Or as a sprite, dancing in the moonlight in 
an elfin ring and slaying the foolish knight who ven- 
tured into the magic circle, that the crimson rays of dawn 
might illumine the pale face of a corpse.” 

“ What magnificent pictures they would be, though 
somewhat horrible! You are really a great artist, Ger- 
trude ! Keep those ideas ; they will win you a prize at 
the next exhibition.” 

“ They are not in my line,” replied the artist, passing 
her hand lightly over her brow. I do not like those 
Northern fables : they do not speak to my heart; they are 
bloodless and icy cold, the gloomy fancies of a nation 
that has ever dwelt under a gray sky. Little Marietta 
with her donkey is a subject far more attractive to me ; 
that is plain, easily understood truth.” 


138 


AT CAPRI. 


“ So the baroness does not please you ?” asked Camilla 
Stosser in surprise. 

How could she help pleasing me ? I should have no 
eyes to fail to appreciate her physical charms. But this 
is purely external. She has the enviable ease and care- 
lessness of a great lady, who feels that every one must 
be honored by her notice. We ordinary mortals are 
often stiff and awkward, merely because we fear our ad- 
vances may be repelled or considered presumptuous. 
What there is besides her charming manner, will become 
apparent on a longer acquaintance with this beautiful 
woman.” 

“ She has a kind heart, at any rate,” Camilla eagerly 
replied ; she gave Marietta the whole contents of her 
purse.” 

“ That kind of goodness is not very hard to attain. If 
the baroness were compelled to renounce any wish for the 
sake of giving alms, or if one of those gold pieces had 
been earned by toilsome labor, I would cheerfully acknow- 
ledge its merit — now it is merely a good-natured whim.” 

“ Gertrude, I believe you are jealous ; although gentle- 
ness and indulgence are not prominent traits in your 
character, I have rarely heard you utter so harsh a judg- 
ment.” 


AT CAPRI, 


139 


Jealous of whom ? Why ?” asked the artist, in a some- 
what tremulous voice, leaning farther out of the window. 

“You will not succeed in deceiving me,” replied 
Fraulein Stosser, rejoiced at having discovered a little 
womanly weakness in her grave, superior friend. “You 
must have noticed, as well as I, how often the professor’s 
eyes wandered towards the table where the baroness sat 
with her grandfather.” 

“ Every one likes to watch a beautiful face ; my eyes 
turned in the same direction too.” 

“ I won’t tease you any longer,” said Fraulein Stosser 
patronizingly ; “for my part I am very well pleased with 
this acquisition to our party. The gentlemen will now 
exert themselves more for our entertainment. Did you 
hear that arrangements had been made for a tarantella 
to-morrow evening ? All the girls on the island, among 
them the two best dancers, are invited. The baroness 
was delighted with the idea.” 

“ Who originated it ?” 

“ The tall artist with the keen, intelligent face — Herr 
Schulze, whom the others call Mephistopheles.” 

“ He ? Then I am surprised that the baroness ac- 
cepted the invitation.” 

“ I am not. The man seemed completely transformed, 


140 


AT CAPRI. 


so respectful and modest. He appeared to have entirely 
forgotten his disagreeable habit of staring at ladies, 
while his lips curled in a contemptuous smile.’% 

“ Gentlemen generally adopt different manners towards 
an aristocratic lady, who travels with a companion and 
maid, and is the granddaughter of an Excellency. They 
have a whole scale of gradations in courtesy, which are 
exactly adapted to the social position of the persons 
they encounter. We, who work for our daily bread, are 
treated with a certain kindness as good comrades, and 
the utmost we obtain is to be spoken of as * nice girls.’ 
The cream of gallantry is reserved for those who use 
their delicate hands to do nothing.”- 

You are bitter, Gertrude,” replied Camilla Stdsser, 
who always lived in the happy delusion that she made 
an irresistible impression on the whole masculine sex. 

“As I cannot change the world,” continued the artist, 
“ I may at least be permitted to express my dissatisfac- 
tion with it. How do you think the Baroness Von Val- 
mont would have been estimated, if she had come here, 
like myself, with one small trunk, anxiously inquiring 
the price of board, choosing the cheapest room, without 
those toilettes whose smallest details show the most 
studied elegance ?” 


AT CAPRI, 


141 


Yes, her toilettes!” sighed the authoress. “As she 
entered the dining-room in that heavy silk dress, mauve 
she calls the color, she looked like a queen. It is a 
study in itself to move so easily in such a train. I 
should catch my feet in it and fall.” 

Without noticing this interruption, Gertrude con- 
tinued : “ If she had taken her seat at the table in a 
plain travelling dress, she would have been thought 
wonderfully pretty and stared at boldly ; people would 
have called her liveliness affectation, and made cautious 
inquiries about her, to ascertain whether she might not 
prove an acquaintance they would afterwards be com- 
pelled to disown. It would never have occurred to any 
of the gentlemen to make the slightest change in his 
manners on her account ; all without asking permission 
would have lighted their cigars and filled the’ room with 
smoke; they would neither have lowered their voices 
nor altered their careless attitudes.” 

“That almost sounds as if you were envious, Ger- 
trude ; a failing I have never perceived in you.” 

A shadow flitted over the girl’s face. 

“ In a certain sense I do envy those favored by for- 
tune,” she answered firmly. “ I am well aware that they 
too are not spared sorrow ; but are we either ? On the 


142 


AT CAFE I. 


contrary, it falls on us with double weight, because 
increased by the anxious fear that tears may paralyze 
the elasticity, the productive power of our minds, which 
is indispensable to us, and must under all circumstances 
be preserved. True, it is said that work is an infallible 
remedy for a sick soul ; but I think a pleasant journey, 
change of scene, amusements of various kinds, are still 
more effectual. ‘Adversity ennobles’ is a similar axiom, 
which everybody repeats, because it is convenient to 
come to terms in this way with our suffering fellow- 
mortals ; but no one feels any desire to be ennobled at 
this cost. But go now, Camilla ; that is not meant for 
you ; you too are a child of fortune, in the possession 
of a comfortable, assured position.” 

The elderly young lady had not fully understood the 
meaning of Gertrude’s bitter words, and in particular did 
not comprehend what connection they had with Baroness 
Andy Valmont. 

“One question more. Do you think it probable that 
the baroness will marry the professor ?” 

“ How should I know ?” replied the artist curtly ; “ the 
cleverest man has some weak point. On whose side the 
folly would be greatest, that of the professor or the beau- 
tiful woman, I cannot predict.” 


AT CAPRI. 


143 


You are not at all agreeable to-day, Gertrude.” 

“ Attribute it to my eyes, which have ached very badly 
for several days,” replied the other, with a melancholy 
smile. “ There you have one of the inconveniences of a 
life supported by one’s own exertions. The doctor in 
Rome told me, that I must not use my power of vision for 
six months, if I wished to preserve it uninjured. I replied, 
that as I did not possess the blissful confidence of the 
lilies of the field, I should not fold my hands in my 
lap ; I must fulfil my engagements to the picture-dealers, 
and had several orders besides.” 

And I hear this now for the first time !” exclaimed 
Fraulein Stdsser reproachfully. “ I intreat you to follow 
the doctor’s advice.” 

“ It is absolutely impossible — how are my mother and 
I to live, if I stop working ?” 

“ But suppose you should entirely lose your sight. 
Think of that terrible possibility.” 

“ I have already thought of it and chosen a seat for the 
blind beggar on the Spanish stairs.” 

What a wicked jest ! You may be punished for it.” 

“ We must always be prepared for misfortune.” 

“ I do not know you to-night ; you are in a strangely 
excited mood. ” 


144 


AT CAPRI. 


*‘You hear that the pain in my eyes makes me 
nervous. ” 

“ Good night. If I were only back in my room ! I 
shall die of shame if any of the gentlemen see me.” 

“ Then put out your light.” 

“ Still worse. In the dark some insolent fellow might 
mistake me for a chambermaid, and take some liberty.” 

“ I do not think so. The gentlemen have already 
learned that the girls here, in spite of their artlessness 
and trustfulness, are extremely modest.” 

Camilla lingered on the threshold. “ It would be ter- 
rible. I could never make up my mind to appear in the 
dining-room to-morrow.” 

“ I cannot help you, you must brave the danger,” said 
Gertrude in a tone of mingled anger and amusement, 
pushing her hesitating companion out of the door ; “ if 
any one gives you an anonymous kiss, console yourself 
by thinking it was intended for some one else and there- 
fore does not at all concern you.” 

“ Tease !” cried the blonde, playfully shaking her finger, 
and glided away — without a light. 

She afterwards confessed, with a slight tinge of regret, 
that nothing had happened, nothing at all ; the tall artist 
had merely opened the door of his room to put out his 


AT CAPE I. 


145 


boots, when he saw her, he drew back his head with a 
violent sneeze. 

* 

After Gertrude had turned the key and knew that she 
was once more alone, she went back to the open window. 
The moon had risen higher, and the white walls and 
bare. rocks glittered in its light. A death-like stillness 
prevailed ; no human voice was audible, nor even the 
barking of a dog. The wind bore the fragrance of the 
orange and citron garden to the lonely girl with the 
stern features, who allowed the cool night-breeze to blow 

• over her bare arms and shoulders. If painting was 
injurious to her eyes, the tears that fell singly in burning 

• 

drops from the dark lashes, were still more painful. She 
was burying no hope, for she had never cherished one. 
She had never ventured to think that the respectful 
attention Walter paid her could be transformed into any 
other feeling. And even if what seemed to her an im- 
possibility had been the case, would it ever have occurred 
to him to marry an elderly, impoverished girl, who 
brought him as a dowry the care of providing for an 
aged mother? Her powers of perception were keen 
enough to show her that narrow circumstances were 
unendurable to him. How many men are capable of 
making sacrifices ? 

10 


146 


AT CAPRI. 


What did the lips, that moved without uttering a word, 
whisper ? “I love him so deeply and warmly that my 
heart has room for no one else. If he desired it, I would 
follow him without hesitation to the end of the world, 
happy in the consciousness of being permitted to love 
him — remain with him. And when he leaves this island, 
he will have only a vague memory of a clever girl, with 
whom he now and then liked to exchange a sensible 
word. That alluring siren with the golden hair, who is 
not capable of giving up an ornament for his sake, only 
needs to stretch out her little white hand, and this man’s 
love will fall into it.” 


AT CAPRI. 


147 


CHAPTER VIIL 

J T was amusing to observe what a restless excitement 
pervaded the minds of all who assembled at the 
breakfast-table the following morning. Will she appear 
or not ? was the question eagerly discussed by the older 
and younger artists. To-day also they had made unpre- 
cedented changes in theii* outer man. Their cheeks were 
freshly shaved ; their hair was perfumed with oil ; the 
smallest spots of paint were effaced from their coats 
and the stirratnce^ driven to despair by continual warn- 
ing messages, had delivered the clean shirt-collars and 
cuffs as desired. 

Whenever the door of the dining-room opened, every 
head was turned ; and as Pietro, the cameriere, who was 
somewhat forgetful, ran in and out oftener than was 
necessary, necks were frequently strained. The padrona 
put an end to the excitement by replying, in answer to a 
question from the tall artist, “ La baronessa 7ion scenderdL 
The excitement instantly subsided, and all gave them- 
selves up to the undisturbed enjoyment of their coffee 
and honey. 


148 


AT CAPRI. 


Gertrude and Erichsen, who had both finished their 
breakfast very speedily, met on the terrace before the 
dining-room. 

“ You look pale, Fraulein Gertrude,” said Walter, cor- 
dially shaking her hand ; “ I am afraid you are working 
too hard for your strength.” Andy’s remark that the 
artist seemed to be interested in him, had affected him 
pleasantly ; flattered vanity whispered, ‘ the clever girl 
deserves a friendly greeting.’ 

“ I am here to work,” she answered quietly, though 
she could not prevent the heightened color in her 
cheeks. 

At that very moment the tall artist was saying : 
“ ’Pon honor, Fraulein St'ade might almost be called a 
beauty, when she has color. Hers is a marked counte- 
nance, a sort of Egyptian type, Rebecca at the well — 
Heaven knows how she got it on the Luneburg moors.” 

“Your stay here ought also to afford you some 
recreation,” Walter continued ; “ throw your brush aside 
for to-day.” 

“ I cannot, I have a model — and the innocent islanders 
are already so far advanced in civilization, that they 
charge the same price as the Roman beauties on the 
Spanish stairs, a scudo a sitting. Giacenta would in- 


AT CAPE I. 


149 


stantly give me a most fluent description of the advanta- 
geous offers refused on account of her promise to me, 
and I should be obliged to pay her the full price, whether 
she sat to me or not.” 

“ Do you paint in your room?” 

She nodded. “ The background and centre are fin- 
ished — Giacinta thinks she would recognise the donkey 
as her own particular asmo:imong a thousand ; a remark 
which is very flattering to me, especially as it is the first 
donkey I ever painted.” 

“ And so you intend to work all day without interrup- 
tion ?” 

” Until sunset. We slaves of the palette must take 
advantage of every ray of light ; it seems to me as if the 
words of the Bible : ‘ Behold the night cometh when no 
man can work,’ were really spoken for us artists.” 

Do you not at least take a short interval of rest ?” 

‘‘ Half an hour is devoted to lunch, and that is suffi- 
cient to give new strength. If my model only keeps 
quiet and understands how to enter into my ideas, it does 
not fatigue me at all.” 

“ You intended to take a sketch from the Punta di 
Mitromania ; have you given up the plan ?” 

” No, merely deferred it” — she blushed again — “ it 
seemed indiscreet to intrude upon your solitude.” 


150 


AT CAPRI. 


'' You certainly will not disturb me, Fraulein Ger- 
trude,” he eagerly replied ; “ I am convinced that you 
are too absorbed in your work, to trouble yourself about 
anything around you. You will trouble me as little 
as I you. We will work together side by side, like good 
comrades.” 

She bit her lips convulsively — he did not need to tell 
her that she caused no agitation in his soul, she knew 
that his interest in her would never advance beyond a 
certain degree, and that was very far from boiling-point. 
Would the presence of the elfin creature, now sleeping 
behind the blinds upstairs, have left him as quiet ? 

“ I thank you,” she answered formally ; I have sev 
eral pictures to finish before I can venture to make new 
sketches ; by that time you will perhaps already have 
exchanged your study for the North, and I can then 
enter without scruple upon the inheritance of your 
abandoned domain.” 

She bowed coldly and disappeared within the house. 

Walter looked after her in surprise; there had been a 
cutting sharpness in her words — she could often develop 
a very unpleasant, old-maidish acidity. 

Late in the afternoon of the same day, Gertrude was 
sitting before her easel, busily engaged in finishing 
various little details, which she had only roughly 


AT CAPRI. 


151 


sketched during the visit of the model. An oppressive, 
sultry atmosphere pervaded the room, which served as 
studio, sitting and sleeping apartment. The two win- 
dows were partially covered with sheets of pasteboard, to 
afford the necessary half light. — The sun had poured its 
burning rays on the albergo all day long, and notwith- 
standing the thick walls the heat had penetrated the 
apartment. 

Gertrude looked exhausted; her sallow complexion 
was even paler and more colorless than usual; her eyes 
were surrounded by dark circles; the corners of her 
mouth drooped wearily, and from time to time she 
leaned back, drawing a long breath, passed her hand 
across her forehead, and after resting in this way a few 
seconds, worked on with redoubled energy. She had 
set herself a fixed task, which, whether her physical 
powers protested or not, must be completed ; she had 
always done this, and smiled compassionately at her 
companions in the profession, who waited days for the 
right mood.” 

She had made very tolerable progress, and was already 
thinking of finishing her day’s work, washing her brushes 
and arranging her simple toilet for dinner, when she 
heard footsteps and the rustling of a dress outside of her 


152 


AT CAPRI. 


door. Some one knocked, and Fraulein Stdsser’s voice 
asked : 

“Are you ready to receive visitors ?” 

Gertrude rose, palette and brush in hand, opened the 
door, and said in no very cordial tone : 

“What is it, Camilla? You know I don’t like to be 
disturbed in my work.” 

“ Pray don’t look so cross,” replied her friend, boldly 
taking possession of the field. “ Baroness Valmont 
wants to see your sketches and pictures before you send 
them away ; she would like to select or order a souvenir 
of Capri. Here she is herself” 

Andy followed close at the speaker’s heels. As she 
entered in her airy dress, whose whiteness was rivalled 
by her arms and shoulders, and her glittering golden 
hair, the room suddenly seemed to grow lighter. She 
greeted Gertrude in the most cordial manner, apologized 
for her intrusion, and fanning herself with a large palm- 
leaf fan, sank down into the only arm-chair, exclaiming : 

“ How warm it is in your room, Fraulein Stade ! You 
can’t possibly exist here without ruining your nerves. 
Why didn’t you choose the other wing, where my grand- 
parents lodge ? It is less exposed to the sun.” 

“ Because the rooms there cost thrice as much, and I 


AT CAPRI. 


153 


cannot afford the expense,” replied Gertrude, without 
the slightest embarrassment. 

The young widow regretted her thoughtless question ; 
she had no idea of circumstances in which thirty francs 
a week played an important part. 

“ There are some persons who don’t feel the heat,” she 
replied ; “ you seem to be one of them, since you do not 
look at all warm.” 

“ I cannot claim that privilege,” answered the artist, 
pushing her hair back from her temples; “ I am a child 
of the North, and only feel comfortable in a cool tem- 
perature.” 

“ In weather like this, I am capable of nothing but 
being idle ; you must have far more strength of will than 
I,” said Andy, cordially. 

“ In this case perhaps !” 

“ Then you give me credit for great self-control in 
other things ?” 

Gertrude nodded. “We artists imagine ourselves 
physiognomists. Delicate and fragile as you look, I 
would wager that you can be inflexible as iron in certain 
things, and not even hesitate to sacrifice your dearest 
wishes, if they do not harmonize with your plan of life. 
I also think that your elfin form enjoys the most rugged 
health.” 


154 


AT CAPRI, 


You are right; I have never been ill, and really do 
not know what it is to feel fatigue. I can vie with any 
cavalry officer in riding, and my hand” — she held out 
the dainty member with its tiny wrist — ‘‘can curb the 
most unruly horse;- But you are a dangerous observer. 
Fraulein Gertrude — will you permit me to call you so ? — 
we must beware of you ! ” 

Meantime Fraulein Stosser had moved the picture 

I 

higher on the easel, and with the most sincere admira- 
tion for the talent of her unassuming friend, enthusiasti- 
cally exclaimed : 

“ Look here, madame ! Gertrude has surpassed herself 
this time ; none of her Italian subjects have been so 
successful.” 

The picture on the canvas was certainly a most 
superb bit of Southern life, and Gertrude’s almost 
masculine talent was fully revealed in each bold stroke. 
The scene was the steep path leading from the Marina 
to the village of Capri. At a bend in this road on the 
low wall, sat a young woman, apparently waiting for 
one of the strangers to hire her and her donkey. Con- 
trary to the custom of the islanders, she wore the white 
head-dress of the Roman women, against which her dark 
features stood forth in strong relief With arms folded 


AT CAPEI. 


155 


on her breast, her black sparkling eyes gazed intently 
at the sea, whose dazzling blue gleamed in the sunlight. 
The classic profile, delicately-formed lips, and the whole 
bearing expressed wild, tameless pride, and passionate, 
angry grief. Almost touching her dress, a couple 
ascended the narrow path — a handsome, curly-headed 
lad, whose arm encircled the waist of a delicate girl with 
soft brown eyes. As the path curved at this place, he 
probably had not noticed the figure sitting on the wall 
until he was close upon her. His countenance plainly 
expressed the embarrassment of conscious guilt ; irreso- 
lute whether to go on or pause, his eyes rested timidly 
on the proud face, which was scornfully averted and 
seemed unconscious of the existence of anything in the 
world, save the wide sea. His little companion was 
clinging shyly to him, urging him to quicken his pace, 
to escape the presence of the dark-eyed girl. 

The gradations in the coloring of these three heads 
were remarkable ; the bronze hue of the young woman’s 
face was admirably adapted to the gloomy sphinx-like 
character of her beauty. The expression was so clear 
and strongly marked, that one perceived in this acciden- 
tal meeting a drama, whose last act had not yet been 
played; the convulsively clenched hand of the proud 


156 


AT CAPRI. 


woman, her nostrils dilated like those of a noble steed, 
betrayed a fierce wrath, which would soon find relief in 
some violent expression. 

“ What a superb face !” cried Andy eagerly ; “ a queen 
could not look more majestic. There is something of 
Medusa’s deadly beauty in those features. The lad, in 
spite of his boldness and youthful strength, has every 
reason to steal timidly past her ; it would not surprise 
me if, by a hasty push, she hurled him over the cliff. 
I understand nothing about art, Fraulein Gertrude, but 
your picture tells me a story of the hot-blooded children 
of this country. Has it an owner? If not, I shall most 
earnestly entreat you to sell it to me.” 

“ I am sorry I cannot gratify you, madame,” replied 
Gertrude stiffly. “ The picture is already sold ; it was 
ordered by an English family, who left Capri a short 
time ago.” 

“ How sorry I am ! I have seen nothing so charac- 
teristic of Italy ! The genre pictures at the art-dealers 
in Rome always seemed to me mere artist’s models, 
attired in pretty costumes, that, like worn-out coins, had 
lost all individuality. What originality your figures 
display !” 

Andy did not exaggerate the impression produced 


AT CAPE I. 


157 


upon her mind ; she was really surprised to see such an 
admirable work, for she had not supposed that the silent 
girl possessed talent so remarkable. Gertrude, who was 
perhaps wearied, could not sufficiently conquer her pre- 
judice against the baroness to respond to her cordiality. 
Her sensitive ear fancied a tone of condescension; it 
was the aristocratic lady endeavoring to give the poor 
artist a proof of her powers of judgment. Why should 
she care whether she was ignored or patronized ? One 
who accomplished good work and took a practical view 
of life, could dispense with this favor. She had often 
learned that people who overwhelmed her with civility 
in her studio, had scarcely a greeting for her in the 
drawing-room. She nourished an intense pride in the 
depths of her soul ; she was conscious of having, with 
incomparable energy, worked herself up to her present 
position, and she demanded recognition of it — it was a 
matter of tolerable indifference whether strangers sym- 
pathized with her or not, but every one owed her 
respect. 

Therefore she was almost offended when Andy, with- 
out asking permission, placed herself on a familiar foot- 
ing. As she sat comfortably in her room, which she had 
just entered for the first time, talking so easily and 


158 


AT CAPRI. 


frankly, scanning the objects that surrounded her, she 
showed an unmistakable conviction that there was no 
place in the whole world where she had not an innate 
right to remain. The clear, musical voice, the grace of 
the charming creature, made no impression on the stern, 
cold North German ; she showed her guest the courtesy 
that civility required, without ever passing the limits of 
cold formality. She was glad that the picture was sold ; 
she had worked at it with unusual interest, and it would 
have roused a feeling of annoyance to know that this 
particular work was in the baroness’s possession. 

“ Was that wonderful head of the young peasant 
woman produced by your imagination, or does its owner 
live on this island ?” asked Andy. 

Fraulein Stosser hastily answered for her friend, whom 
she was mentally upbraiding for her disagreeable stiff- 
ness. 

“You can meet the beautiful Giacinta any day, 
madame ; she lives with her old mother in a little house 
on the Marina. Her whole property is the donkey rep- 
resented here. The artists are all her devoted admirers, 
and she could earn a great deal as a model, if she chose ; 
but she is as proud as Lucifer, and a look is enough to 
rouse her anger. One of the artists wanted to paint her 


AT CAPRI. 


159 


as Sappho, and of course requested her to put on, instead 
of her usual dress, a Greek costume, which displayed 
her neck and arms. The suggestion made her rave like 
a mad woman, so that even her mother, who always 
accompanies her when she sits, was frightened. After 
overwhelming the young man, who had never dreamed 
of offending her, with a torrent of passionate words, she 
rushed out of the room, and no promises or entreaties 
could induce her to cross his threshold again. A short 
time ago, a stranger wanted to engage her as a guide ; 
during the bargaining about the price his eyes may have 
rested upon her face with too bold an expression of ad- 
miration, for she suddenly threw his money at his feet, 
exclaiming angrily: ‘No one shall look at Giacinta so!’ 
This excessive prudery amused the gentleman, who 
laughingly answered : ‘ What have I done ? I did not 
even kiss you.’ ‘ If you had, you would not be alive 
now I” she is said to have replied, with such a sinister 
expression in her black eyes that he preferred to seek a 
gentler guide. Such is Giacinta, and that is her 
portrait.” 

“ I must make her acquaintance,” said Andy, eagerly ; 
“ the girl is an embodied volcano ; she must have been 
born near Vesuvius. It will be hard to find a man who 
will dare to marry her.” 


160 


AT CAPRI. 


“ Giacinta says she will never marry,” observed Ger- 
trude. 

Then she is an exception among the Italian women, 
who, I have been told, consider it a misfortune if they 
reach the age of sixteen without being wedded.” 

“ She has special reasons,” said Fraulein Stbsser mys- 
teriously, glancing at the picture. 

“ Pray, Fraulein Gertrude, tell me the previous history 
of this ‘ meeting,’ as you have laconically christened 
your work.” 

The artist hesitated — no man could have resisted 
Andy’s charming animated little face, which expressed 
the most impatient expectation. 

“ Gertrude knows all the circumstances, for Giacinta 
reposes the most unbounded confidence in her, and re- 
joices that her painted counterpart hurls such a proudly 
scornful glance at the faithless lover. Whenever she 
comes, she clinches her fist, shakes it at the lad, and 
mutters a ^ Miserabile ! Pezzo Pun birbone, verrci Vora 
della vendetta P Tell the baroness the unhappy love 
story.” 

“ I do not know,” replied the other irresolutely. “ To be 
sure Giacinta is only a poor, bare-footed girl, but I think 
she too has some claim to consideration. Where the feel- 


AT CAPRI, 


161 


ings are concerned, the fisherman’s daughter resembles 
the most aristocratic lady ; both weep the same hot tears 
when they are betrayed.” 

‘‘Why do you say that in such a defiant tone, Frau- 
lein ?” hastily asked Andy, whose keen perceptions 
nothing escaped, “ do you think I doubt your words ? 
The tears burn just as painfully in the eyes of both, only 
the aristocratic lady wipes hers away with a cambric 
handkerchief, whose thin texture being easily wet, quickly 
dries again. I assure you that a deserted chambermaid 
arouses my sympathy more than a love-sick countess. 
One must swallow her grief and meantime cook, wash, 
and obey every command, while the other has a thousand 
means of mending her broken heart; she can avoid or 
seek society, fly to the solitude of the mountains, or 
drown her thoughts amid the tumult of a great city — 
according to necessity or caprice. Do we not really 
hold the same opinion ?” 

Gertrude conquered a slight sense of shame; the 
baroness had administered a delicate reproof, by showing 
her that she was not the only person who possessed the 
privilege of judging independently and justly. After 
all, it was no crime to occupy a prominent position in 
society and enjoy the advantages of wealth ; those who 


11 


162 


AT CAPBI. 


really deserved censure were the persons who humbly 
strewed incense before fortune’s favorites. S/ie had done 
the contrary and almost overstepped the limits pre- 
scribed by courtesy — it was time to adopt a different 
course. 

‘‘ To be sure, it is no secret,” she said more cordially, 
every girl will tell you about Giacinta, whom they 
all fear. So if it would really interest you, madame — ” 

“ One moment !” interrupted Andy turning to Ca- 
milla. “ Dear Fraulein, I promised grandpapa in your 
name, that you would accompany him to Tiberius’s villa : 
he is an agreeable old gentleman, as you have already 
learned, and will consider it a great favor if you consent 
to be his guide.” 

General Von Willberg, His Excellency desired her 
company ! — Fraulein Stbsser felt very much honored. 

When the little baroness saucily added : “ Grandpapa 
has passed the age when a lonely walk with him could 
compromise you,” Camilla skipped out of the room, 
overwhelmed with delight. 


AT CAPRI. 


163 


CHAPTER IX. 

% 

y^ NDY^S careless manner of disposing of the good- 
natured girl annoyed Gertrude, who saw in it the 
arrogance of the privileged caste. Her companion 
instantly noticed the change in the artist’s face. 

“ Are you angry because I sent Fraulein Stosser 
away ?” 

“Yes,” replied the other resolutely. 

“ Why ? Is she really your friend ? That would 
greatly surprise me.” 

“ She is not my friend ; she is too ” 

“ Too insignificant — don’t be afraid to speak frankly. 
And why will you not permit me to have the same 
opinion — or do you think that insignificance is in har- 
mony with my character ?” 

“ In your case it is quite a different quality, that 
arouses my impatience ; your — arrogance.” 

“ There you are mistaken. Fraulein Stosser is a good- 
natured, comical creature ; her zeal to be of use is very 
convenient, and her pretensions to youth are somewhat 
ridiculous. I know it flatters her vanity to take a walk 


164 


AT CAPRI. 


with my grandfather ; and I also know that you would 
not rise an inch in your own estimation if a king or em- 
peror should offer you his arm. It will never occur to 
any one to dispose of or overlook you — unless he is a 
great simpleton.” 

Oh! weakness of human nature! The strong-minded, 
sensible Gertrude experienced a secret sense of pleasure 
in being elevated at the expense of the absent. 

“ I expect the arrival of a similar person, in a mascu- 
line edition, some time during the next few days,” con- 
tinued Andy, “ a Herr Von Linden. Do you know him ? 
No? Well, you have not lost much. I call him the 
factotum of fashionable society, Figaro qui,, Figaro Id ! 
He and Fraulein Stdsser might really make a match; 
they would drive each other to desperation before a year 
was over, by striving to be mutually agreeable.” 

Gertrude smiled — the little elf possessed wonderful 
knowledge of human nature. 

“ We are agreed as to the fate of both,” cried Andy, 
gaily ; “ and now I should like to hear about Giacinta.” 

“You must not expect anything remarkable, madame ; 
it is a simple story, such as happens everywhere, and 
merely receives its peculiar coloring through Giacinta’s 
disposition, which is inconceivably fierce and passionate. 


AT CAPRI, 


165 


The last tiny house on the Marina belongs to her 
mother, a stupid old woman, over whom she tyrannizes. 
Her sole property, besides the donkey, is a little boat, 
the only legacy bequeathed by her father, who was 
drowned in gathering coral. She rows as well as the 
most skilful fisherman ; her classically formed arms 
possess muscles of iron, and she knows all the caprices 
of the sea and wind as well as the most experienced 
pilot. A simple, half-grown lad, her brother, the only 
person to whom she never shows her fierce temper, is 
her assistant. I have often been rowed out by them on 
quiet evenings, and admired the perfect harmony and 
regularity of their movements ; she only needed to look 
at the boy, and he instantly understood what she wanted, 
whether to turn or hoist the sail, steer to the right or 
left. Last year, just about this season, a young man 
came to Capri, who as she says was an artist, pittore. 
In this country they are very lavish in the use of the 
term artista ; I imagine he was the son of a small dealer 
in pictures, of whom there are countless numbers in 
Italy, who from their business claim the right to be 
classed among artists. To be sure, they are mere 
bunglers in our profession, as they provide old pictures 
with a fresh coat of varnish, or give new paintings the 


166 


AT CAPRI. 


appearance of old ones. At home they would be called 
dealers in second-hand articles, which they are, for, 
besides the pictures, such a shop contains a rich assort- 
ment of the rarest ancient things. Paolo was a Sicilian 
by birth, but his family had lived for many years in 
Naples. A doubly unfavorable combination: for if the 
Neapolitans have the reputation of being tricky and un- 
reliable, the Sicilians are the embodiment of treachery 
and falsehood.” 

“ I was told the very same thing in Rome by a clever 
young Piedmontese, the nephew of the Minister of 
Finance,” interposed Andy ; “ ‘ one should always be on 
his guard with a Neapolitan, and invariably distrust a 
Sicilian at all times and under all circumstances.’ It 
was the moral of an incident, which was then occupying 
the attention of all the foreigners in Rome. A Neapolitan 
duke was betrothed to a German lady, and on the day 
before the marriage, broke his engagement on the most 
frivolous pretext. When the lady, dissolved in tears, 
bewailed her misery to a cardinal by whom the match 
had been made, the latter is said to have calmly replied : 
‘Well, well, all Neapolitans seem to be rascals.’ ” 

“ Probably the object was gained and the young girl 
brought over to the Catholic church,” said Gertrude, 


AT CAPRI. 


167 


whose quick intelligence instantly penetrated to the 
kernel of the whole affair. 

I think I did hear something of the kind,” care- 
lessly replied the little baroness, who was very little 
interested in political or religious questions. “ But pray 
go on.” 

“ Paolo, the so-called pittorey spent several weeks at 
Capri, perhaps in order to purchase a few pictures from 
the artists who spent the summer here. He made 
Giacinta’s acquaintance during the first few days, and 
her remarkable beauty — a year ago her features are said 
to have been much more soft and winning — instantly 
inflamed his Southern heart. He himself was also a 
handsome fellow, his delicate dark face reminding one 
of the Arabian type, which is often found in Sicily. 
The girl had always remained haughtily aloof from the 
other peasants ; the artists had so often told her she 
looked like a queen, that she thought herself reserved 
for some distinguished lot. As she would not have held 
out the tips of her fingers to a man, if he had not dis- 
tinctly expressed his intention to marry her — the 
Italians in this respect have a cold-hearted caution, 
which forms the most striking contrast to their glowing 
eyes — Paolo swore that he would make her his wife, 


168 


AT CAPRI. 


He would be obliged to write and ask the consent 
of his father, on whom he was entirely dependent 
Giacinta’s beauty, virtues, industry and skill were praised 
in the highest terms. True, she could not read the 
words, but she carried the open letter to the priest, 
who read it slowly aloud, that she might be convinced 
Paolo was not deceiving her. The answer was long 
delayed, at least Paolo asserted he had received none ; 
his love grew more and more ardent, and she allowed her- 
self to be persuaded to consider him her sposo and appear 
in public leaning on his arm. When week after week 
elapsed and she could give no reply to her friends’ in- 
quiries, when she was to be married and go to Naples, 
the passionate violence of her character burst forth, and 
she told Paolo that if he did not request the priest to 
perform the ceremony the following Sunday, some mis- 
fortune would happen. She did not tell me what she 
meant by the remark, but I think she would not have 
hesitated to thrust a dagger into his heart. 

“ Probably the Sicilian, on closer acquaintance, had 
found his betrothed bride somewhat formidable. A man 
could never be sure of his life with such a woman ; she 
already showed the wildest jealousy if he even looked 
at any other girl. She was so thoroughly imbued with 


AT CAPRI. 


169 . 


the consciousness of her own faultless beauty, that she 
thought the man to whom she gave herself, ought no 
longer to have eyes for any one else. 

“ Paolo obeyed her imperious command, and sum- 
moned the priest to perform the ceremony. This step 
soothed Giacinta’s suspicions, and she permitted her 
lover to go to Naples to purchase her bridal finery ; 
Paolo solemnly promised to return at the end of two 
days — as you may suppose, he did not come. 

At first Giacinta behaved very sensibly ; it was possi- 
ble that he had been detained in Naples, that his parents 
would not suffer him to return at once ; but when the 
last day of the week approached and no news of the 
faithless one arrived, she almost went mad. 

“ Marietta told me she rushed up and down the shore 
like an infuriated panther ; every boat might bring him ! 
Then, until far into the night, she sat motionless on a 
rock, her arms clasped around her knees, and her idiotic 
brother beside her, gazing steadily out upon the sea. 
The expression of her face was so gloomy and threaten- 
ing that all timidly kept aloof After she had vainly 
waited a week, she went to Naples, attired in her best 
clothes, adorned with pearls and corals ; and to show 
that she was a respectable girl, took with her her mother, 
who understood very little of what had occurred. 


170 


AT CAPRI. 


“ She had not forgotten the address of Paolo’s father, 
and, after many questions, found the little shop. You 
must hear her tell the story herself, madame,” said Ger- 
trude. “ I cannot utter the words with her inimitable 
pathos. ' So 7 to io la GiacintaP With these haughty 
words she introduced herself to the old picture-dealer, 
who was just busied in dusting his wares. The latter, a 
peevish, deaf old man, merely glanced at her and con- 
tinued his work. After a few minutes, as she still stood 
motionless in the same defiant attitude, he turned and 
exclaimed, in a shrill tone : ^Fuori! Go away! I want 
no model.’ ‘ I am not a model ; I am your daughter-in- 
law,’ she answered, in a dignified tone. ‘ Daughter-in- 
law 1’ screamed the old man, who instantly perceived the 
state of affairs, furiously flourishing his duster in her 
face ; ‘you are mad.’ 

“‘Your son Paolo promised to make me his wife.’ 
‘ Then he has promised more than he can perform. He 
has been betrothed for years to the daughter of one of my 
friends ; we fathers have settled the matter.’ ‘ I will not 
permit it,’ cried Giacinta, becoming enraged in her turn ; 
‘ he belongs to me 1 he must marry me 1’ ‘ What ?’ replied 
the old man, ‘ I suppose you are the girl at Capri, about 
whom he wrote that foolish letter? Listen, poveretta. 


AT CAPRI. 


171 


return to your island at once and marry some fisherman 
or goat-herd, who is a suitable match for you ! Is it 
possible that you can expect the son of a distinguished 
family, that has numbered a podestdj among its- ancestors, 
to marry a bare-footed beggar? And are you not 
ashamed to run after a young man ? In my time, the 
lads followed the girls. ^Dio mio^ che impudenza ! Away 
with you !’ He turned and continued his dusting. But 
Giacinta did not easily allow herself to be driven from 
the field. She loaded the old man with abuse, and called 
down every possible misfortune on his bald head. This 
did not disturb him in the least; accustomed to the 
frantic gestures of women, one more or less made very 
little impression upon him. But when she threatened 
to break his costly goods into a thousand pieces, he 
grew angry, seized her with an iron hand, beneath which 
even her strength was powerless, pressed her down into 
a chair, and shaking the duster under her nose so vio- 
lently that she began to cough and sneeze, hissed : 
‘Now keep quiet, my beauty, or I will call my good 
friend, the police officer, and have you dragged away as 
a shameless, hussy. Capita ? Paolo has nothing to do 
with the matter ; he obeyed me, from whom he receives 
every soldo he puts in his pocket. He isn’t here.’ ‘ Not 


172 


AT CAPRI. 


here ?’ cried Giacinta ; ‘ will you swear it ?’ 'I swear it ; 
I sent him away because I thought you would come 
here some day. He is in Rome, in a large shop — much 
larger than mine.’ Here he cast a proud glance at his 
worm-eaten mouldy treasures. ‘ He will marry his em- 
ployer’s daughter, and become his father-in-law’s partner. 
It is no use for you to stare at me like a blood-thirsty 
tiger. Paolo has escaped you ; you will never see him 
again.’ ‘ He is in Rome, do you say ?’ cried the girl, 
who could scarcely breathe under the pressure of his 
hand. ‘ I will find him ; rely upon it ! Giacinta can 
wait patiently when revenge is in view.’ 

“ These words made no impression on the old picture- 
dealer; the pathetic, passionate Italian rarely fails to 
produce its effect on foreigners, but the natives of the 
country, who daily use and hear it, attribute no great 
importance to such threats. 'Va bene, va bene I 
the father of the faithless lover ; ‘ Rome is wide, and 
woman’s anger a fire that soon dies out. You can do as 
you choose later, cara mia, but at present I only wish you 
to leave my shop as soon as possible ; customers might 
come who wanted to buy something, and you would be 
in my way, child, for you stand there like a thunder- 
cloud just ready to burst.’ ‘ You will hear more of 


AT CAPRI. 


173 


Giacinta than will be agreeable to you/ she replied with a 
look of fierce hatred, and went away with her mother, 
who had been a tolerably indifferent spectator. 

“ The return to Capri was a bitter cup for her to drain. 
Of course she was teased and mocked, because after re- 
fusing many, a worthy fellow — according to the ideas 
that prevail here, she is no longer a young girl at twenty 
— she had allowed herself to be deceived by a stranger. 
There were all sorts of malicious tales, but without 
foundation ; before marriage an Italian woman rarely 
makes a false step, especially one like Giacinta, who, in 
spite of her passionate temperament, is incapable of love 
or devotion. She soon silenced the evil tongues, carried 
her head higher than ever, shut her grief and rage within 
her own heart, and behaved as if nothing had happene'd 
and there had been no change in her situation.” 

“And has she seen her former lover? Has she re- 
venged herself on him ?” asked Andy. 

“ No, I am afraid she is reserving her vengeance,” 
replied Gertrude gravely. “ She really has remarkable 
strength of soul, and is capable of making a plan 
and executing it with great deliberation. She is now 
trying to obtain money to defray the expenses of a 
journey to Rome. While I was painting her, she made 


174 


AT CAFRI. 


the most minute inquiries about the city, and asked me 
in what way she could best earn her living there. A 
girl with her beauty might obtain a high price as a model, 
since good models are beginning to be as rare in Rome 
as elsewhere; but she is not fit for that business, she 
runs away without the least hesitation in the middle of 
a sitting, if she fancies herself insulted. She indignantly 
rejected my proposal that she should enter some family 
as a servant; she considers herself far above such a 
position, like most of the girls of this strange island — 
besides, I should pity those whose house she entered. 
All the crockery would be shattered in pieces at the first 
misunderstanding.” 

The little baroness, who had been leaning so far back 
in the arm-chair that her slight figure almost disappeared 
in the cloud of white muslin floating around her, laughed 
merrily. 

“ Medea^in the kitchen !” she exclaimed ; “ destroying 
pots and pans!” 

The artist smiled. Yet she does not shrink from any 
labor ; if she finds nothing else to do, she carries stones 
for the road that is being built at Anacapri. During the 
season that strangers visit the island, she never fails to 
earn a great deal of money ; with her antique head and 


AT CAPRI. 


175 


noble bearing she attracts every one’s attention when 
she sits on the low wall. I was fairly bewitched the 
first time I saw her, and the idea of this picture occurred 
to my mind even before I knew her story.” 

“Do you really think she has not given up her 
revenge ?” 

“ I do, and have already endeavored to inspire her 
with gentler feelings. The picture, whose progre.ss she 
watched with great interest, afforded me a pretext. 
When she again gave vent to her anger, I told her that 
if she met Paolo, she ought to follow the example of 
her pQrtrait, which merely had a contemptuous glance 
for the faithless lover, who crossed her path with another 
on his arm. ‘ What would he care for my scorn ?’ she 
cried angrily, ‘he would sleep none the worse and eat 
with no less appetite. If I should ever meet him in the 
way you have painted there, I should know that he 
would not take that path a second time.” 

“ What strange mortals !” said Andy, looking at her 
rosy nails ; “ I am beginning to pity poor Paolo. After 
all, his crime is not so great. He fell in love with the 
beautiful girl, as I, had I been a man, should have done 
in his place, and his circumstances forbade him to 
marry — that is all.” 


176 


AT CAPRI. 


‘‘Not quite, madame,” replied Gertrude, gravely; 
“ you forget that he was betrothed, bound to another, 
when he asked for Giacinta’s hand. It was the deception 
for which, with good reason, she reproaches him, for she 
is too proud and honest ever to deviate from the truth. 
If he had confessed the real state of affairs, she would 
have kept aloof from him, no matter at what cost.” 

“ You have only heard the girl’s story,” cried Andy, 
with a certain degree of irritation in her tone ; “ the kd 
is perhaps no less to be pitied ; he may have obeyed 
with reluctance, and received the bride forced upon him 
without love. What was he to do ?” 

“ Make a frank confession.” 

“ But he loved Giacinta, and she would then have 
turned away from him.” 

“Of course, but he would not have lied, and she 
would not have felt herself humiliated.” 

“ How stupid and tiresome the world would be, if we 
always acted according to the strict principles of right ! 
Poets call love an intoxication, an innocent madness, 
which fully expresses its fleeting, transitory character. 
Do you admire a girl who says, ‘ I will love you, pro- 
vided that you can make me a doctor’s wife, a countess, 
etc. ?’ No, no ; it is far better for people to treat each 


AT CAPRI. 


177 


other as good friends ; then we part with regret and 
meet with joy ; we put on the holiday garments of the 
soul — gayety and amiability. As we do not see each 
Other constantly, we have no opportunity to discover 
faults and bad habits, and when we proceed on the 
journey of life, each enters his own carriage, and though 
we probably shed tears, the memory of bright, unclouded 
days remains and helps us to endure the sorrow of 
parting.” 

Would it then be so terrtble to you to continue the 
journey with the * good friend ?’ ” asked Gertrude. 

Andy folded her arms, and with a droll expression of 
deliberation, answered : “ My dear Fraulein, fate never 
gives us for a compagnon de route one whose society 
would make the journey a pleasure. We must be satis- 
fied with having talked a few hours pleasantly away at 
the station. We can twist and turn as we like, but in 
the end we are all the slaves of circumstances.” 

“ He who is independent ” Gertrude began. 

“ Who is independent ?” cried the young widow, im- 
patiently. Good Heavens ! on what trifles do we not 
depend ! To begin at the lowest round : on the shoe- 
maker, who either gives us ill-fitting boots or none at 
all ” — she could not help laughing, for the remembrance 
12 


178 


AT CAPRI. 


of her first love, the tutor with the elephant feet, invol- 
untarily occurred to her mind — “ on the tailor, the dress- 
maker, our servants, our parents, our education, the man 
whom we love or do not love, the world, and last but not 
least, the wretched pelf, which is nevertheless so valua- 
ble ! As I sit here before you, you undoubtedly sup- 
pose that I allow myself to be guided solely by the 
suggestions of a capricious fancy, and yet a heavy chain 
clings to my foot — only you do not hear it rattle ” 

She buried her white teeth in her pouting lips. Ger- 
trude’s eyes rested upon her with a shade of sympathy : 
the variable creature, surrounded by the attributes of 
elegance and luxury — the costly turquoise buttons and 
buckle that clasped her belt would have swallowed the 
whole of the artist’s yearly income — formed a striking 
contrast to her own grave, severe simplicity. 

“You are defending mere sophisms, madame,” she 
answered, firmly; “no one is free in the sense of being 
bound by no considerations ; but we can preserve the 
freedom of the soul by emancipating ourselves from 
fancied necessities. I have passed through a different 
school from yours, and the result of my lessons is that 
I prefer to live in a garret and practise miracles of 
economy, rather than marry from purely utilitarian 


AT CAPRI. 


179 


motives — for that is the secret thought, which you, per- 
haps unconsciously, cherish.” 

The little baroness blushed, and throwing herself care- 
lessly back in her arm-chair, replied: “ Fraulein Ger- 
trude, it seems to me that you have a remarkably solid 
character.” 

“ Solid is the courteous term for stupid and tiresome,” 
replied the other, with a touch of good-natured amuse- 
ment. 

“ That was not my meaning,” replied Andy ; “ but 
when I endeavor to think and talk sensibly, I always end 
by committing all sorts of follies. Have you seen Pro- 
fessor Erichsen to-day ?” she asked suddenly, fixing her 
sparkling eyes, which glittered with an emerald-green 
light, on the tall, slender girl in her loose brown dress. 
A deep flush crimsoned Gertrude’s sallow cheeks. 

“ A moment at breakfast.” 

“ How do you like him ?” 

“That is hard to say,” replied the artist, coldly. 
This inquisitorial manner annoyed her, and she endea- 
vored to conceal her interest under an air of studied 
indifference. “ The professor only shows a portion of 
his character when conversing with strangers.” 

“ Indeed ? I never noticed that.” 


180 


AT CAPRI. 


“ Probably because, in your society, his mind always 
regains the elasticity which is often absent. He works 
hard, and the constant mental toil may produce a fatiguing 
effect upon him. That is the way I interpret his reluc- 
tance to enter into any lengthy conversation ; he is always 
cordial and attentive, but we feel annoyed when men of 
his stamp intrench themselves behind social forms, which 
are only intended to make frivolity more endurable.” 

“You judge him severely.” 

“No, indeed,” replied Gertrude, eagerly. “I cannot 
express myself in the enthusiastic terms used by Frau- 
lein Stdsser, who is constantly endeavoring to strike new 
sparks out of him — greatly to his discomfort. He takes 
a friendly interest in my art ; we often exchange a re- 
mark about this or that addition to the number of guests 
at table; he gives me general news from our native 
country — farther our relations do not extend. Of liking 
or acquaintanceship there can hardly be a question.” 

“ Indeed ” — the baroness had risen and now cast one 
more glance at the picture on the easel. “ So it is sold ?” 
she asked. “ You would not be willing to paint a second 
one ?” 

“ I can accept no commissions at present, I have too 
many orders.” 


AT CAPRI. 


181 


What a pity !’’ 

Andy had opened a portfolio and was turning over 
the sketches it contained. In the Roman studios, which 
more or less resembled shops, whose wares were dis- 
played for the selection of every purchaser, she had 
followed the example of others, who left no portfolio, no 
sketch unexamined, and if possible subjected the palette 
and brushes to a close scrutiny. She did not suspect 
what a painful feeling she aroused in the mind of Ger- 
trude, who had never permitted any one to ransack her 
portfolio, which formed a sort of journal. 

“ Oh !” exclaimed the baroness in surprise, taking out 
a sheet of paper and approaching the window — “ isn’t 
this an admirable likeness of Walter — the professor? 
How perfect, in spite of the few careless strokes !” 

“ A study I sketched in Paris,” replied Gertrude, com- 
pressing her lips. 

Very imprudent in this ‘ study ’ to look so amazingly 
like a gentleman of your acquaintance ! Will you let 
me have the drawing ?” 

“ I am very sorry to be compelled to refuse another 
request — but ask my companions in the profession — we 
never permit studies to pass out of our hands, because 
we always need them.” 


182 


AT CAPRI. 


“ How bold and powerful ! You have reproduced in 
a most masterly manner the expression of repose, 
that is so attractive because it does not arise from a 
phlegmatic temperament, but a wonderful power of self- 
control. The hair is somewhat idealized ; the original 
would disown those waving locks. You have omitted 
the beard — greatly to the improvement of the whole ; 
the delicate, noble lines of the mouth are more distinctly 
visible.” 

I repeat, madame, that I made the study in Paris.” 

“ I don’t doubt it,” said Andy, replacing the sheet in 
the portfolio. Then looking at her watch, she ex- 
claimed : “ Six o’clock already ! Pardon me for having 
detained you so long — you have still your dress to 
change. I hope we shall see each other often ; as we are 
under the same roof, there will be no difficulty in doing 
so.” 

Andy laid her soft white fingers, with their rosy nails, 
in the artist’s thin brown hand. 

“ Did you ever read the memoirs of the Marquise de 
Cr^qui?” she asked, turning on the threshold. “As 
you have lived a long time in France and understand the 
language perfectly, I suppose you have a thorough 
knowledge of the literature of the country.” 


AT CAPRI. 


183 


Gertrude answered in the negative. 

can lend you the books, I own a copy. They are 
written in an amusing style, interspersed with remarkably 
subtle observations, which show keen insight and mature 
philosophy. So the charming old marquise says in one 
passage, where she speaks of a friend who concealed in 
her heart a love which she was unwilling to confess, and 
therefore spoke of its object with feigned indifference : 
L object de nos amours n'est pas toiijours celui^ dont nous 
parl'ons le mieux^ mais toujours celui^ dont nous parlons le 
plus (The object of our love is not always he whom we 
praise, but invariably he of whom we say most). In those 
days ladies did not draw and paint.” 

With these words the elf vanished, and Gertrude fan- 
cied she heard her mocking laugh in the corridor. She 
was so taken by surprise, that she could find no reply, 
and stood gazing at the door, through which the charm- 
ing little creature with the red gold curls had glided. 
What did this visit mean ? Was it a reconnaissance ? 
Did the baroness do her the honor of thinking her a 
rival and being jealous of her ? Gertrude’s lips were 
distorted with an expression of pain, as in removing her 
brown blouse she saw her own grave, dark features 
reflected in the glass, that had just mirrored the flushed 
charming face, the piquante beauty of the baroness. 


184 


AT CAPRI, 


As she took her plain black cashmere dress from the 
chest of drawers, her foot struck against some object ; 
she stooped — it was a broad, thick, dead gold band, 
heavy and massive as a fetter ; the clasp was a medallion 
of turquoises, surmounted by a coronet, whose nine 
points were outlined in diamonds. The little baroness 
had heedlessly lost the valuable ornament ; she probably 
possessed such a quantity of costly bracelets that she 
scarcely missed one. Gertrude admired the artistic exe- 
cution, and pressed the medallion, whose lid sprang 
open, revealing a photograph — the likeness of a hand- 
some young man in uniform. A faultlessly beautiful 
head, but only beautiful in the lines and contours. On 
looking at the face more closely, one perceived a mind- 
less, vacant, almost coarse expression. She remembered 
the picture galleries in old castles, whose long rows of 
family portraits had made the same impression upon 
her. At first, the features of the mailed knight, rude as 
if they had been hewn by a battle-axe ; then, as genera- 
tion after generation followed, they became refined and 
moulded into a regular aristocratic type, in which, how-'^ 
ever, a keen eye recognised the original foundation. She 
could easily imagine the handsome officer to be the de- 
scendant of a groom. 


AT CAPRI 


185 


Her thoughts lingered over the portrait — who could it 
be ? The count’s coronet also aroused her wonder ; so 
far as she was aware, that of the baroness had but seven 
points — how strange that a jewel belonging to her 
should have an ornament that was not appropriate! — 
Perhaps it was an heirloom ; yet it was new, and the 
style as modern as if it had just left the shop of some 
Parisian jeweller. What did it matter? Gertrude slipped 
the bracelet into her pocket, to return it to the baroness 
at dinner. 


186 


AT CAPRI, 


CHAPTER X. 


HERE was an unusual activity among the artists, 



who were constant guests at the albergo. As the 
little baroness had accepted, with a most gracious bend 
of her beautiful head, their proposal to get up a national 
tarentella in her honor, they were endeavoring to give 
the festival the greatest possible air of originality. The 
tall artist, nicknamed Mephistopheles — his real cogno- 
men was William Schulze, but he was always called Mr, 
William for short — developed a most luxuriant imagina- 
tion in devising paper-lanterns to adorn the hall and 
veranda. With the aid of oil-paper, wire and glue, 
tulips, lilies and roses appeared under his skilful fingers, 
to say nothing of butterflies, which produced a very 
remarkable effect when fastened among the boughs of 
blooming orange trees. A fat, good-natured young 
fellow, a native of Mecklenburg, who, when angered, 
spoke most palpable low German, had composed a paint- 
ing on a transparency, a dance of the elves — an allusion 
to the graceful golden-haired queen of the festival — 


AT CAPRI. 


187 


which, surrounded by cypress and laurel trees, was to 
occupy the end of the hall, and whose effect was still 
farther heightened by a wonderfully natural artificial 
moon, which was to be reflected in the water. The 
elves were dancing on the edge of a pond. 

“ Worthy of a court theatre !” said the creator of the 
satellite of the earth, also a German, and a landscape- 
painter, whose talent consisted principally in effects of 
light. He was called Endymion, on account of his fair 
hair and dreamy eyes. 

Endymion had good reason to be grateful to our Hea- 
venly Father for- creating the lesser light that rules the 
night. No American or English family left Rome with- 
out taking with them one of his famous moonlight land- 
scapes. A ruined arch of the Aqueduct, standing alone 
in the Campagna, illumined by the weird rays of the 
moon, formed the infinitely varied subject of his pictures. 
Mephistopheles declared that if all the arches his hand 
had placed on canvas could be joined together, they 
would form an aqueduct reaching to the Lago di Brac- 
ciano. Endymion used to accept such jests with a re- 
signed smile ; he painted the same thing year in and 
year out, and throve admirably upon it. 

He, Wiliam Schulze, and Uncle Brasig, of Meckleh- 


188 


AT CAPRI. 


burg, the most useful members of the artist’s club when 
the point in question was to adorn a Christmas tree or 
arrange tableaux, had united to beautify the present 
entertainment by their talents. The easels were pushed 
aside, and the only work accomplished was that of 
making decorations. The three friends, clad in tolera- 
bly airy costumes, sat in a large room which they had 
fitted up as a studio, joyfully contemplating the work of 
their hands, which was approaching completion. Me- 
phistopheles had made such lavish use of the brightest 
colors in manufacturing his butterflies, that he had soon 
exhausted his store. Two huge wings lay before him 
waiting to be painted ; they lacked carmine and indigo- 
blue. All the color-boxes had already been searched in 
vain. 

“ Shall we send to the French artists at Pagano and 
borrow from them ?” he asked, looking sorrowfully at the 
colorless butterflies. 

“ Impossible !” cried Uncle Brasig ; “ they would in- 
stantly bristle up and take it as a proof, that la grande 
nation had regained its old superiority. Since Monsieur 
Hubert closed the door of the French Academy in the 
Villa Medici in oi^r faces, all intercourse between French 
and German artists has ceased.” 


AT CAPRI, 


189 


“Yes,” observed Endymion, with the enthusiastic 
expression bestowed upon him by nature— he was really 
a very jovial fellow— “ even the peaceful island has di- 
vided itself into two hostile camps. The French have 
their headquarters at Pagano ; we at the Albergo Na- 
tionale.” 

“ Jealousy extends even to the models,” said Uncle 
Brasig, a skilful painter of figures ; “ fortunately we have 
obtained Giacinta; and Mephistopheles gave her such 
a horrible description of the lack of morality among the 
French, that the prudish beauty would refuse their most 
tempting offers.” 

“ That is the revenge on Monsieur Hdbert for envi- 
ously concealing his famous model in Rome,” observed 
Endymion. 

“ But I need carmine and indigo-blue,” sighed the tall 
artist, in a lugubrious voice. 

“ Perhaps Fraulein Stdsser can undertake to mediate,” 
suggested the moonlight painter; “I saw her not long 
ago engaged in an animated conversation with a French- 
man.” 

“ What ? She has communication with the enemy’s 
camp,” cried William, starting up; “that deserves pun- 
ishment. She must instantly be summoned to answer 
for it.” 


190 


AT CAPRI, 


He opened the door and called to Pietro, the long-suf- 
fering cameriere,- whom he ordered to go at once to the 
signora, whose room was on the same corridor, and beg 
her to come to the studio, where the gentlemen needed 
her counsel. 

“ Good heavens, William,” said Endymion, in an em- 
barrassed tone; “consider our toilets — we cannot receive 
any lady sol 

“ Shirt-sleeves !” grumbled Uncle Brasig ; “ I should 
like to know what there is unsuitable in that We 
should do better to take off everything in this heat.” 

“ Propriety will be maintained,” said Schulze, striding 
into the adjoining room, from which he brought a huge 
white umbrella. He cautiously opened the door — 
“Hush! I hear Fraulein Stdsser coming upstairs; Pie- 
tro, worthy fellow, is delivering his message. Does he 
want to speak to me, me ? he parodied. But she has 
the heart of a dove, and expects nothing wrong from us.” 

“ Strangely enough,” observed Endymion, “ for you 
have already played her many a trick.” 

The tall artist’s sharp, mobile features twitched with 
secret amusement. “ I have a bright idea in my head. 
I’ll tell you about it later; the little baroness is an 
accomplice.” 


AT CAPRI. 


191 


“Well, that is making rapid progress,” said Uncle 
Brasig, phlegmatically ; “ introduced to her yesterday and 
having mutual secrets to-day.” 

“ Hush ! Her dainty fingers rap.” 

William Schulze opened the umbrella, which he held 
before him like a shield, so that his figure was almost 
entirely concealed. “ Honored Fraulein,” he whispered, 
in the gentlest tones, through the crack in the door, 
“pardon the liberty my friends and I have taken in 
requesting your charming presence ” 

“ Herr Schulze !” 

“ Don’t call me Schulze — my ear is sensitive on that 
point ; say Wilhelm, or still better William — don’t you 
think it sounds prettier ? ” 

Fraulein Stdsser uttered a little girlish laugh, and 
wondered why the artist did not open the door wider. 
“Well, then, Mr. William, what do you want?” 

“ In the first place, that you should enter our studio, 
the work-shop of German artists, who not unworthily 
represent their native land.” 

“As I can’t slip through the key-hole, I don’t know 
how I am to accomplish it,' if you keep the door shut.” 

“ Very true — very cleverly remarked,” replied the tall 
artist, admiringly ; “ there is only one obstacle — we are 


192 


AT CAPRI, 


not in dress-coats, Fraulein Camilla— a charming name, 
Fraulein, an, I might say, aromatic name. We have 
been working since sunrise, in order to arrange a bril- 
liant festival in honor of your charming friend, and are 
therefore in mechanic’s costume— we are without coats.” 

“ Or gowns,” remarked Uncle Brasig. 

“ Don’t be alarmed, honored Fraulein ; my foresight 
has provided for everything — here, take this umbrella ; 
arm yourself with it; you can boldly cross the threshold 
behind its protecting screen ; it will be the Spanish wall 
of etiquette, behind which you can hold intercourse 
with us.” 

“Thanks,” laughed the fair-haired lady ; “under these 
circumstances I prefer to treat with you through the 
door.” 

“ Pyramus and Thisbe ! ” cried Schulze, in impas- 
sioned tones, hastily closing the umbrella. “As you 
choose. May I be permitted to offer you a chair?” 

“ No.” 

“ I am your obedient slave. Can you keep a secret, 
Fraulein Camilla ? But what a superfluous question ! 
I know you are an exception to your loquacious sex. 
When Coriolanus says to his wife, ^ My dear silence ! ’ it 
always seemed to me one of the boldest hyperboles of 
Shakspeare — since I have known you ” 


AT CAPRI. 


193 


Here Uncle Brasig uttered a sort of grunt, while 
Endymion was writhing convulsively in the effort to 
repress a loud laugh. William Schulze continued : 
“ Promise not to betray any of our preparations at dinner, 
even if the irresistible baroness should besiege you with 
coaxing words — give me your hand upon it, Fraulein 
Camilla.” 

He thrust his arm through the crack and seizing the 
authoress’s hand, kissed it, which homage induced the 
blonde to withdraw it with a deep blush. Herr Schulze 
could be very agreeable when he chose. Endymion, 
who could scarcely control his mirth, uttered a sobbing 
sound. 

“ My friend has sighed a great deal of late,” whispered 
Mephistopheles significantly, “ and I don’t know why. 
Haven’t you noticed that he has seemed very melan- 
choly ?” 

“ If you don’t tell Fraulein Stbsser our business soon, 
William, I’ll do it myself ; time is jJassing and we must 
have the colors.” 

“ I believe you envy my r61e of speaker. Uncle Brasig 
— he is inclined to be jealous Fraulein Camilla, a Meck- 
lenburg Othello, his phlegm is only a mask, beneath 
which is a volcano of passionate feeling. Pardon this 
13 


194 


AT CAPRI. 


digression, I rarely have the pleasure of talking with 
you ; you are always so surrounded, that in your presence 
I scarcely dare 

Fraulein Stdsser was not foolish enough to take all 
this for pure gold, but it tickled her vanity to have the 
most intelligent and amusing of the artists occupy him- 
self with her. “ You have a commission, Mr. William ?” 

“ Yes ! We have prepared some wonderfully poetical 
decorations, from which we expect the most incredible 
results ; every one is to be surprised except ourselves, 
the creators ; no one suspects what we plan ; imagine, 
butterflies — transparent butterflies, fluttering around 
orange trees — ” he murmured, “can your imagination 
dream of anything more poetic ?’’ 

“ Enchanting !’’ she murmured behind the door, “ I 
should not have expected such dainty conceits from you.” 

“ I am afraid you have always intentionally misunder- 
stood me,” he answered in an agitated tone, “I have a 
gentle nature, my dear Fraulein. although my tongue is 
often somewhat sharp — ” Then assuming a natural 
tone: “Some of these butterflies still lack their gay 
colors, because we have not the necessary paints. None 
of our companions in art, who are scattered over the 
most distant portions of the island, can help us. We 


AT CAPRI. 


195 


thought of borrowing carmine and indigo from the 
French painters, but our national pride rebels against it. 
I was told by my friend Endymion — he is sighing again, 
poor fellow — that you associated with them. Oh ! Frau- 
lein Camilla, you coldly reject the timid homage of a 
German youth and open your ears to the deceitful 
flatteries of a foreign tongue ! A fair-haired German 
maiden throwing herself into the arms of a Frenchman !” 

He shook his head reproachfully, and his long nose 
seemed to droop in a most melancholy fashion. 

“ Good heavens, Herr Schulze ” 

“William, if you please, I prefer it.” 

“ The French artist who often accosts me, is the 
brother of one of my friends, now a governess in a 
Roman family; I made his acquaintance through her, he 
brought me a letter,” cried Camilla, eagerly defending 
herself 

“ That is the way such things always begin,” said the 
tall artist gloomily. “ A friend’s brother— oftentimes a 
cousin,” he added, as if lost in thought. “ I have no 
right to intrude upon your secrets, Fraulein Camilla — 
no right whatever. But the end sanctifies the means ! 
Write a few lines to the French artist, and ask him for 
the colors. Pietro will carry the note to Pagano. You 


m 


AT CAPRI. 


hear, Endymion, it is only a friend’s brother ; the whole 
affair is perfectly natural. I must soothe the poor 
fellow,” he whispered confidentially. “Yes, be kind 
enough to ask for carmine. I hope the frivolous French- 
man won’t suppose that you have other uses for that 
color. The Parisians rouge, to be sure, but nature paints 
the cheeks and lips of German maids and matrons. Will 
you do us the favor, Fraulein ?” 

“You may be sure of my willingness to oblige,” 
replied the authoress, in an embarrassed tone; “but I 
should not like to write to Monsieur Chappuis. It might 
be misunderstood,” stammered the young lady of thirty- 
five, who distrusted her skill in French orthography. 

“ Girlish timidity — perfectly natural,” said William 
Schulze, nodding. 

“ But I think I can gratify your wish in another way. 
I believe Fraulein Stade has a large stock of these 
colors.” 

“ Make haste, dear Fraulein ; that would be the 
shortest way ! I never thought of our sister of the 
palette.” 

“ Gertrude is very peculiar about her property. If 
she refuses the request ” 

“ Tell her that if the steamer does not arrive to- 


AT CAPRI. 


m 


morrow, I will swim or ride a dolphin to Naples, in order 
to replace the loan with usury.” 

In his zeal, he threw the door wide open, and Fraulein 
Stdsser fled with a shriek as she saw the long, lank 
figure in shirt-sleeves. 

“ Pardon ! pardon ! Where is the umbrella — the 
Spanish wall that covers me ?” he cried despairingly. 

Then he threw himself into a chair, put his feet on the 
table, and burst into a fit of mad laughter, in which the 
two others cordially seconded him. 

“ But,” said Endymion, when the storm had partially 
subsided, “ I forbid you to drag me into your jests. 
That woman is firmly convinced that she is the object 
of my secret affection.” 

“ I allowed it to be seen that our worthy Uncle Brasig 
is your rival.” 

“ She will soon be undeceived in that respect,” mut- 
tered the latter. 

What would you have ? I assure you, Endymion, 
you couldn’t do better than to marry the lady. She has 
money, and is by no means bad looking. If you make 
her drink mineral water, the redness that now disfigures 
her complexion will soon disappear. You must make 
her cease composing, and allow her to use pens and 


198 


AT CAPRI. 


paper only for keeping household accounts. If I were 
not principled against marriage, I would take her myself 
She will make a neat, thorough housekeeper.” 

“ If I should be compelled to give up my bachelor life 
while at Capri, I would prefer Fraulein Stade.” 

“ By no means bad taste ; to the eye of a connoisseur 
she is a beauty. If she would do nothing for a year but 
drink beer and sleep, she would be as blooming as a 
rose; she is working herself thin and yellow.” 

“ If she had Fraulein Stosser’s money ” said Endy- 

mion, with his enthusiastic glance. 

“That she certainly has not,” rejoined Uncle Brasig; 
“she is as poor as Job! But she has a great deal of 
talent, which every year finds increasing recognition.” 

“ She will not be easy to win ; rely upon my know- 
ledge of human nature,” said the tall artist, “ with all 
her reserve and apparent modesty, she sets a high value 
upon herself I have discovered that she is not indif- 
ferent to the professor.” 

“ Erichsen 1” cried Endymion, “ the enviable man 
whom the baroness favors.” 

“A proof of her good sense; although I would be 
willing to wager she has never put her little nose into 
one of his books. An uncommonly clever head 1 When, 


AT CAPRI. 


199 


a short tiijie ago, I stood in the Museo Borbonico, before 
the magnificent bust of Scipio, I was vividly reminded 
of his masterly biography of the great general, of whom 
he said in one passage : * He conquered a world, and in 
so doing believed he was only fulfilling a simple duty.’ 
One must have seen the noble, dignified head, to appre- 
ciate the truth of this expression. Erichsen does not 
make a marked impression at first, but proves to be a 
very attractive man. Great ambition, vast power of self- 
control, and concealed beneath it, a nature longing for 
love — the masculine pendant to Fraulein Stade, our 
hyper-sensible colleague, who certainly has no cause to 
reproach herself for having ever been over-hasty. On 
account of this very similarity in character, I should 
doubt whether she would make any deeper impression 
on the professor. Opposite poles attract ; our slender, 
sensitive Endymion, for instance, feels enchained by 
Fraulein Stdsser’s corpulent charms.” 

“ These tasteless jokes !” cried the other furiously. 

'^She writes; he never reads anything except the 
wine-card,” continued William Schulze, without permit- 
ting himself to be at all disturbed ; “ one could scarcely 
find a more harmonious couple.” 

Endymion shrugged his shoulders ; he knew his 


200 


AT CAPRI. 


friend, whose satirical humor, when once roused, was not 
to be suppressed. 

Has any one seen the baroness to-day ? ” he asked. 

“ I have,” replied Schulze ; she was gracious enough 
to receive me on the terrace, where her maid had ar- 
ranged a Turkish couch of wraps and cushions. She 
stretched herself in the sun and blinked like a kitten. 
Marietta sat at her feet and sang an endless number of 
songs. The general was nodding over an old newspaper. 
Her ladyship was tired, and condescended to allow me 
to amuse her for half an hour — that is, she skilfully asked 
questions and I replied.. As she drew her long curls 
over her face, and her eyes sparkled saucily, while her 
teeth glittered when she laughed, the temptation to kiss 
her was very strong. Be on your guard, Endymion ! she 
is a fiend direct from the infernal regions, and would 
allure Saint Anthony himself” 

‘ She seems to have already succeeded with you,” 
muttered Uncle Brasig. 

“lam a hardened sinner,” replied William Schulze, 
carelessly stretching his legs farther over the table, “ but 
I must confess that it requires a confoundedly clear head 
not to become a fool in her presence. Besides, I would 
take my oath that she is secretly laughing at us all, not 


AT CAPRI. 


201 


excepting the professor ; some fine prince will soon 
appear and carry her off in a chariot of clouds. As, in 
spite of my enthusiasm, I never neglect the practical, I 
have begged her to sit for me, to which she graciously con- 
sented. Such fascinating, changeful eyes hovered before 
me as I began to sketch my mermaid, I hope I may be 
able to catch the mysterious, demoniacal expression.” 

They say that she would marry the professor,” 
observed Endymion. 

“ She, artless boy ! Do you really think so ?” laughed 
Schulze. “ She would become Frau Erichsen and help 
her husband read proof sheets, when there were no 
stockings to be darned ?” 

“ If she loves him ” 

Loving and marrying are two different things ; in 
marriage similar habits of life turn the scale. A woman, 
who had been a maid-servant, would incommode me 
horribly, but I should be equally under restraint with a 
duchess, who from motives of generosity, had conde- 
scended to give me her hand. Providence has quite 
another plan for the little baroness than to make her 
a good housekeeper, who would give her husband a 
dozen children. She is here to stir our sluggish blood, 
to delight us with this incarnation of grace and mischief. 


202 


AT CAPRI. 


She belongs in a certain sense to all who have eyes for 
beauty and poesy — no one must seek to impose chains 
upon her — she cannot endure them.” 

“Hark ye, William,” said Uncle Brasig, dryly; “it 
seems to me you are already on fire. I demand that the 
sittings shall be given in our general studio, or some mis- 
fortune will happen. She will either, in despair, throw 
herself into the sea, or die some other unnatural death, 
while you’ll swallow the contents of your color-box.” 

The corners of Schulze’s mouth twitched, and a thou- 
sand wrinkles appeared around his keen gray eyes — the 
idea of becoming the victim of an unhappy love seemed 
to him comical beyond measure. 

“You are mistaken, worthy friend; if any change 
should occur in my virtuous mode of life, it would be of a 
thoroughly normal character. Perhaps I shall establish 
a partnership with Fraulein Stade; she will have her 
studio on the right, I mine on the left ; I’ll praise her 
pictures, she mine ; as I am no pedant, I would give her 
her choice whether to write her name Frau Schulze- 
Stade or Stade-Schulze.” 

“So you permit yourself this arrogance, Mephisto- 
pheles!” interrupted Uncle Brasig, phlegmatically; “you 
are probably sure that the girl will say yes at once ? ” 


AT CAPRL 


203 


“Until now I have only observed that she has an an- 
tipathy to you,” added Endymion, indignantly. 

“ That is the first step towards passionate love. But, 
good heavens ! what am I saying ? I shall no longer 
have two friends, but two rivals, filled with hatred.” 

“ I should not be disinclined,” observed Uncle Brasig, 
thoughtfully; “she is a clever girl, and speaks low 
German admirably ! What a comfort it would be in 
Rome to be able to speak low German in one’s own 
house ! ” 

“ She has superb dark eyes ! She really looked like a 
beauty in her Grecian costume at the carnival ball given 
by the artists. If she had a husband, who understood 
how to manage, she would get three times as much for 
her pictures. Between ourselves, she has more talent 
than any of us at Capri.” 

“ Base speculation ! ” declaimed Schulze. “ If I could 
only understand, Endymion, how a man with such a lan- 
guishing moonlight face can possess such a calculating 
tradesman’s soul. Never mind. You can have Fraulein 
Stdsser ; her novels may also have a future, if they are 
pushed by a clever hand. You will not faithlessly desert 
her? You are the same as betrothed, and an honorable 
man holds his word sacred.” 


204 


AT CAPRI. 


“ I betrothed ! ” cried the other furiously ; “ you are 
quite capable of spreading the nonsensical rumor.” 

At this moment some one knocked gently at the door 
of the studio. 

Come in ! ” cried the unwilling betrothed bride- 
groom. f 

Schulze started up. No, no ! Moderate your impa- 
tience, Endymion ; you are committing an offence against 
propriety. Where is the umbrella, the defence of eti- 
quette ? Don’t come in, Fraulein ; pardon the reckless- 
ness of our young friend, who is carried away by 
impulse.” 

He stalked through the room, searching in every 
corner for the umbrella, which was lying on the table. 
Then he cautiously opened the door just wide enough 
to thrust his nose through the crack. 

“ I have brought the colors you want, Mr. William,” 
said Fraulein Stbsser’s voice; ^‘Gertrude begs you to 
return them to her ; she says she shall need them in a 
very few days.” 

“Accept my sincere thanks, dear Fraulein; you are 
the guardian angel who ” 

“ Draws us out of the mire,” interrupted Uncle Brasig. 

“ Brasig,” said Schulze, reproachfully, “ you never 


AT CAPE I. 


205 


deny your prosaic nature — the guardian angel, Fraulein, 
who scatters the bright dust on the butterflies’ wings. 
In the name of the assembled committee, permit me to 
press a kiss on this delicate hand — Endymion, don’t roll 
your eyes so terribly ; you frighten me. If my friend 
were only in my place,” he murmured significantly — 
‘‘ you will have the kindness to tell the other ladies that 
we beg them to return to their rooms directly after 
dinner, and remain there until we, the committee, sum- 
mon them. Endymion cannot present himself to you at 
present, because he has put up his hair in curl-papers, in 
anticipation of the festival — usually he only does it at 
night,” he added, in a tone of the utmost simplicity, 
making a grimace at his friend. 

They heard Fraulein Stosser laugh. ^ 

“ Farewell, Fraulein.” 

“ I should like to quarter you, William ; that gossip- 
ping creature will tell Baroness Valmont that my head 
is full of curl-papers.” 

“ Fraulein Stade will hear it too,” replied Schulze, 
calmly ; console yourself with the consciousness that 
your locks curl naturally. An honest man despises the 
opinion of the world.” 


206 


AT CAPE I. 


CHAPTER XI. 

ALTER had returned from the Punta di Mitro- 
mania at an earlier hour than usual. The heat 
had not driven him away, for the cliff kept off the rays 
of the sun and the sea-breeze brought a refreshing cool- 
ness ; there was no other spot on the island which afforded 
so pleasant a resting-place. 

He had intended to be very industrious, as he probably 
would not be disturbed. Andy had said that she would 
respect his studies and only visit him occasionally. 
Nothing prevented him from collecting his thoughts, and 
yet he could not fix his attention upon his work. A 
rolling pebble, dislodged by the hoofs of a goat, made 
him start — might not the sound announce the appearance 
of the elf? He listened to every tone, every noise. 
Now he fancied he heard a well-known laugh, then 
thought he saw the flutter of a blue veil. Even when 
he bent over his book, a dainty little figure with a delicate 
white face and bluish green nixie eyes hovered before 
the odes of Horace, and covered the stupid Latin words 
with her long golden hair. 


AT CAPRI. 


207 


He passed his hand across his forehead and called 
himself a dreaming fool ; gradually he curbed his excited 
imagination and banished the deceitful picture, but repose 
of soul — an essential condition of successful labor — 
seemed to have hopelessly disappeared. 

On the way he met Marietta, for whom he had not 
waited, and told her she might have the contents- of his 
lunch basket. What had she been doing all day ? he 
asked, had she guided strangers over the island ? No, 
the signora bionda had summoned her to sing to her ; the 
lady wrote down the words and tried to repeat the songs. 
Walter had heard Andy sing several times and had been 
surprised by the wonderful timbre of her voice. There 
was something strangely alluring in the sound ; so might 
dryads and nixies sing ; the tones were weird, wild, and 
unearthly. Such music ought to be heard at midnight 
echoing from some dark, silent thicket, or on some 
lonely seashore, blending with the dashing of the waves. 
In a room the melody seemed out of place. He had 
often begged her not to heedlessly throw away the pre- 
cious gift. 

When within ten minutes’ walk of the albergo, he 
perceived Andy. She had mounted the low wall that 
bordered the narrow road, and was looking down the 


208 


AT CAPRI. 


path by which he must come. Her airy garments were 
illumined by the golden light that flooded half the 
horizon ; crimson rays played over the gleaming hair, 
the delicate transparent face, a vision woven from vapor 
and light stood before him ! With a light bound she 
sprang from the wall and came running towards him. 
His heart throbbed passionately and he felt the hot blood 
rush to his temples, as she seized his arm with both 
hands, and like a child seeking help, pressed her little 
head against his shoulder. 

“Are you satisfied with me?” she asked, giving him 
a smiling glance. 

“Why satisfied, Andy?” he replied, passionately 
kissing the white hand. 

“ I have not ventured to disturb you, although I have 
been terribly bored all day long — I did not go to the 
Punta — I feared a cold reception, a frowning brow.” 

“ I believe you would have done better to come, the 
half expectation that disturbed me would not allow me 
to work. My reason tried to wish that -two little feet 
might not find their way to me, but I was secretly longing 
for Puck with every fibre of my heart. I dare not look 
at the sea any more, Andy, it has the color of your eyes.” 

“So, sir, you deceitfully conceal your. feelings? Didn’t 


AT CAPRI, 


209 


you tell me yesterday, in the plainest terms, that you 
preferred to be alone ? And yet this very day you asked 
Fraulein Stade to move her easel and camp-chair into 
your vicinity. I am jealous of this artist with the grave 
black eyes — ^jealous, do you hear ? To you the fair sex 
must be personified by me; you must think only of me, 
dream only of me — especially the latter.” 

“And I, what am I to say? Are there not half a 
dozen artists at your feet already — some of them gifted 
with very handsome persons ? Did not that tall Mr. 
William, with his moustache and mobile features, enter- 
tain you with his quaint conceits and witticisms all last 
evening ? And you condescended to laugh so merrily 
that his humor sparkled more and more brightly. Who 
had cause to be jealous then?” 

“ Not you !” she exclaimed, shaking back her curls. 
“ You see, while in the cradle, some fairy must have be- 
stowed a charm upon me, that exerts its influence over 
all the lords of creation. I can’t help it ; I don’t even 
place much value upon it, and since I am always sincere 
to you ” 

“ Really, Andy, are you sincere ?” he asked, raising 
the little face with his hand. 

She nodded hastily. “I will confess that I should 
14 


210 


AT CAPRI, 


feel uncomfortable without this homage. My gay spirits, 
my amiability, evisn my intellect, require this universal 
admiration. I can thrive only in the sunlight. You may 
reproach me for being a coquette, as you have already 
often done ; but you ought not to complain — I love you 
alone, Walter, you alone.” 

“ You have the gift of driving a man mad,” he said, 
drawing a long breath, and suddenly clasping the tiny 
waist with both hands, he raised the slight figure high in 
the air. “ That is the way I should like to release you 
from the earthly, worthless bonds that bind you, Andy!” 
he exclaimed in an agitated tone ; “ tell me again that 
you love me.” 

Like a child repeating its lesson, she uttered the mo- 
mentous words, “ I love you, Walter, you alone. And 
now, if you please, put me down on the ground ; some 
one might see this acrobatic performance, and have good 
reason to be astonished.” 

He placed her gently on her feet again, and once more 
the question he had already asked in Rome hovered on 
his lips : “ Will you be my wife ?” 

As if she had guessed his intention and wished to 
frustrate it, she drew him rapidly forward, “There’s 
grandpapa ; we must hurry — the dinner-bell is ringing.” 


AT CAPRI. 


211 


“ What a charming dress you have put on, Andy !” 
said Walter ; “ the artists will devour you with their 
eyes.” 

How civilized you are becoming !” she answered, 
laughing ; “ formerly such things entirely escaped your 
attention.” 

“ I always notice when a lady dresses tastefully. The 
setting of those turquoise buttons is remarkably beau- 
tiful.” 

“Yes, it is a costly trimming. Look at this belt- 
buckle ; it is worth examining,” she replied, with artless 
pleasure. 

“You did not have these ornaments in Rome, I 
think ?” 

“ No,” she answered somewhat curtly ; “ they were 
given to me a short time ago.” 

He did not ask by whom ; he knew that among her 
relatives and friends there was always some one to load 
the spoiled child with presents. 

The whole company had assembled in the dining- 
'room, when Walter took his seat beside Gertrude, 
greeted her politely, and asked how she had spent the 
day. She replied that Baroness Valmont had honored 
her with a visit to examine her pictures. 


212 


AT CAPRI, 


“Then she has seen admirable work,” he said cor- 
dially. 

Gertrude made no reply; she was annoyed that he 
should pay her superficial compliments ; he was always 
absent-minded at such times. He had just glanced at 
Andy, who was sitting at the upper end of the table 
listening eagerly to the tall artist at her side, who, with 
many a furtive glance at the unconscious Fraulein 
Stdsser, was telling some very amusing story. He made 
grimaces of delight whenever he turned towards Endy- 
mion, who was responding to the authoress’s advances 
in a very sulky manner. 

“ What picture did the baroness like best ?” asked 
Walter, recollecting his neighbor. “She has an in- 
stinctively correct judgment, and is only pleased with 
the finest paintings.” 

“You have seen the sketch of the picture; it is the 
one for which I used Giacinta’s classic head.” 

“Ah, ‘The meeting!’ I remember you made the 
dramatic portion of the incident very striking. And 
what else did you show her ?” 

“ I have sent away so many pictures that my 
studio” — she smiled at the idea of giving this proud 
name to the one apartment used as sitting, sleeping and 


AT CAPRI. 


213 


work room — “ is very empty. A few sketches — my 
portfolio of studies.” She paused with a deep blush — 
if Andy had been so indiscreet as to speak of Walter’s 
picture ! Happy as she had been when she succeeded in 
making a striking likeness, she would have torn it into a 
thousand pieces rather than exposed it to the eyes of 
strangers. 

“ You must show me your studies, Fraulein Ger- 
trude,” said Walter absently. He seemed to expect no 
answer, and she made none. 

May I ask you, Herr Professor, to return to the ba- 
roness an ornament she forgot or lost in my room,” she 
said, after a pause. 

^‘Why do you not do so yourself?” he asked, watch- 
ing her as she skilfully prepared the delicious Italian 
salad from the tender, juicy leaves. 

You will go to her directly after dinner; and I 
should like to breathe the fresh air for half an hour, as I 
have not been out of doors all day.” 

Gertrude had a thoroughly noble, straightforward 
nature ; she hated intrigue and falsehood ; her path in 
life would probably have been easier if she could have 
resolved to make use of these expedients ; she could be 
frank even to incivility — why did she now do something 


214 


AT CAPRL 


that sent the hot blood to her cheeks ? It was true that 
she wanted to take a little walk after dinner, and it 
would have delayed her to seek the baroness first; it 
was so easy to give Walter the bracelet that he might 
hand it to its owner ; the keenest eye could detect no 
design — and yet ! In the inmost depths of her soul 
lurked the thought : Perhaps he will admire the clasp as 
I admired it ; perhaps he will accidentally touch the 
spring that closes the medallion, and then — yes, then ? 

She would have liked to draw back the hand that had 
just held out the bracelet. But he had already taken it, 
and with the words, “ I will execute your commission,” 
thrust it into his pocket. 


AT CAPRI. 


215 


CHAPTER XIL 

y^NDY had ordered her coffee to be served on the 
terrace belonging to the rooms occupied by General 
Von Willberg. A lamp stood on the round table, and 
the air was so still that the flame only flickered when 
some foolish moth singed its wings in it. To sit on this 
terrace, smoking a genuine Havana, and gazing at the 
gently heaving sea, afforded one of those hours of calm 
enjoyment which are indelibly impressed upon the 
memory. 

“ Where is Fraulein Gertrude ?” Andy asked Camilla, 
who leaning on the balustrade gave herself up to enthu- 
siastic, inexpressible emotions, to which Endymion was 
no stranger. 

“ She is taking a walk along the road that leads to 
Anacapri.” 

“Always lonely and inaccessible! Your friend is 
somewhat sauvage, but full of talent and intellect. I 
like her extremely, and regret that the attraction does 
not seem to be mutual.” 

“ What a loving heart she has I” thought Walter, casting 


216 


AT CAPRI, 


a tender glance at the snowy little face and rosy mouth. 
There are natures so wonderfully organized, that nothing 
seems to spoil them ! There she sat beside him, holding 
a cigarette between her delicate lips — merely to' induce 
him to smoke, not because she had any love of it. 

“ Why, why, Andy,” said her grandfather mischiev- 
ously, “there was a time when you smoked like a 
Turk. Twenty cigarettes were not enough for a single 
day.” 

“That was long ago; many, many years ago,” she 
answered gaily. 

“ Valmont taught you, did he not ?” 

“ Yes, like so many other follies,” she said bitterly. 

“It can hardly be called a folly; many ladies smoke, 
almost all the Russians do, and if the husband has no 
objection — I don’t know whether the count ” 

“ Will you have another cup of coffee, grandpapa ?” 
she interrupted, while a greenish fire sparkled in her 
eyes. “ Fraulein Stosser will pour it out, then of course 
it will taste better to you. Only don’t pay her too much 
attention, it might arouse dangerous rivalry.” 

Andy had interposed so hastily, interrupted the words 
on the old gentleman’s lips so skilfully, that Walter had 
heard and understood nothing. 


AT CAPRI. 


217 


“ I had almost forgotten my commission,” he said to 
her, as they were strolling up and down the smooth 
walk ; “ but I won’t be guilty of any embezzlement. Do 
you miss nothing, most careless of elves ?” 

She raised her hand to her hair, whose curls were 
fastened with a mother-of-pearl comb, seized the little 
watch hanging at her belt, counted the turquoise buttons 
on her dress — “ Nothing !” 

He shook his head. “ How thoughtless you are ! 
You scatter jewels and diamonds along your path.” 

Drawing out the bracelet, he turned it between his 
fingers. 

“Oh! my bracelet I I have a habit of wearing three 
or four on each arm ; it is convenient to play with them; 
so I am to be pardoned if I did not instantly notice the 
loss of one.” 

“ I have not yet examined the treasure ; it has no 
safety chain, that is- why it slipped from your arm. It 
was not made in any Roman jeweler’s, for though elegant 
and tasteful, it has not the peculiar style which recalls 
antique patterns.” 

“You are right; the bracelet was not purchased in 
Rome. Pray, give it to me,” she said, watching him 
uneasily. 


218 


AT CAPRI. 


“ Directly, Andy ; only have a little patience.” 

That quality is wholly foreign to my character,” she 
answered haughtily, tearing the lace on her pocket- 
handkerchief. 

“ La pazienza is a Christian virtue, which is said to be 
particularly becoming to women,” he answered smiling ; 
she looked like an insulted queen in her indignation and 
anger. “ A coronet of turquoises — its points outlined 
by diamonds. Nine? A count’s coronet ?” 

“ Why not?” She raised her head defiantly. 

Nay ; if it were a king’s crown, it would never find 
a fairer wearer. See how brilliant the stones are ; they 
are very artistically cut !” He was in the act of return- 
ing the ornament. I should like to fasten it on your 
arm myself; then there would at least be no danger of 
losing it again to-day.” As he touched the clasp, the 
lid of the medallion sprang open, and he perceived the 
same portrait that had given Gertrude so much food for 
thought. His eyes rested searchingly upon the young 
widow, who stood before him with flushed cheeks and 
downcast eyes, like a convicted criminal. 

“A handsome officer of cuirassiers,” he remarked, 
with apparent carelessness, handing her the bracelet — 
“ so the count’s coronet is explained.” 


AT CAPRI, 


219 


There was something in his tone which quelled her 
defiance and made her look up anxiously into his face. 
“ He is a cousin of my late husband,” she faltered. 
“ I could not refuse the gift ” 

“ It would have been a pity,” he interrupted, “ such a 
costly ornament.” 

She stamped her foot. “ It was a piece of insolence 
to enclose his portrait. We have not yet gone so far !” 

“ Not yet — but soon ?” he asked, in the same quiet 
tone. 

“ Don’t provoke me, Walter,” she said beseechingly, 
clasping her little hands upon his arm, “ You know I 
cannot speal^ of the past or future. Do not grudge me 
the privilege of enjoying the present with closed eyes ; 
it is so divinely beautiful — brighter than I ever dreamed.” 

Her voice had a melancholy tone, which touched his 
inmost heart. Was it not love that always attracted her 
to him? It was a proof of strong feeling, that she 
always favored him, who, in the eyes of those who sur- 
rounded her, was a mere intruder, whose society was 
only admissible during the freedom of travelling. 

They had moved far enough from the table, at which 
sat the general, Fraulein Stdsser and the companion, not 
to be overheard. Leaning on the balustrade, they gazed 


220 


AT CAPRI. 


at the wide sea, gleaming in an uncertain light. The 
low murmur of voices reached their ears, and rays of 
colored light flashed here and there on the white walls — 
the mysterious committee was below, displaying the 
most feverish activity. Andy was standing close beside 
him, her golden hair brushed his shoulder. 

In what relation do you stand to that gentleman, 
Andy ?” Erichsen asked gravely, fixing a searching 
glance upon her face. 

“ I don’t know myself — in none, if it depended upon 
my free will.” 

“ That is no frank reply ! You are evading my 
question.” 

Andy’s delicate black eyebrows contracted. “ Oh, 
these men !” she exclaimed almost violently ; “ how like 
inquisitors they are in searching into the most insignifi- 
cant incidents in our lives ; nothing must be concealed 
from them ; they would like to know how many times 
our hearts have throbbed in the presence of this or that 
person ; they would fain look into the depths of our 
inmost souls to discover the traces of some long-vanished 
feeling — but they deny us the smallest glimpse of what 
is passing within them. We must be satisfied with what 
they graciously confide to us, and, if we are cunning. 


AT CAPRI. 


221 


what we guess and divine. We must take you as you 
are ; so do the same with us. Here am I, Andy, some- 
what foolish, it is true, but a good-hearted little thing, 
who — I think — is agreeable enough to please you, and 
who has repeatedly told and shown you how dearly you 
were beloved — And now don’t torment me with any 
more questions !” 

“You cannot escape me so; therefore give up the 
useless effort to claim equal rights with us in this respect. 
What we love must be blameless ; a man gives a woman 
his name, and by so doing declares himself responsible 
for her to the whole world. If you really love me, I 
must ask, ‘ In what relation do you stand to the gentle- 
man whose picture you wear, and from whom you 
receive such costly gifts ? ’ ” 

“ Good heavens ! you certainly heard that he is a dis- 
tant relative, an insignificant man, with a regular, family 
face. Since the invention of photography, the giving 
and receiving of portraits has lost all meaning. I have a 
quantity in my album, whose very nanies have escaped 
my memory.” 

“ You are not frank, Andy ; your equivocations 
strengthen my suspicions.” 

“ What suspicions, Walter ? Do you suppose this 


222 


AT CAPRI. 


gentleman occupies my fancy or my heart? Must I cut 
up this unlucky photograph before your eyes ? Or shall 
I throw the whole bracelet into the sea ?” 

She had torn it from her arm, and seemed really to 
intend to carry out her proposal. Erichsen restrained 
her. 

“ Let me go ; I will never wear it again ; it has caused 
the first quarrel with you.” 

She threw it angrily on the stone pavement, just at the 
moment the committee advanced to request the party to ^ 
go to the dining-hall. The ornament rolled at Schulze’s 
feet. 

“ Fair queen,” said he, handing it on bended knee to 
the charming owner, “your majesty is scattering jewels 
among your faithful lieges. Might I be vouchsafed the 
honor of offering you my arm ?” 

Either Andy possessed great self-command, or her 
temperament was really so variable that she could easily 
pass into a totally different mood. Smiling brightly, she 
laid her little hand on Schulze’s arm. 

“ My friend, Endymion, will request the happiness of 
escorting Fraulein Camilla Stbsser.” 

“Ah!” murmured the elf to her cavalier, “we must 
dread your malice.” 


AT CAPRI. 


223 


“ You entirely misunderstand me, madame,” he replied, 
casting down his eyes with a comical affectation of 
timidity. 

The general and Walter closed the procession, which 
Schulze triumphantly opened with the little baroness, a 
proceeding that induced Endymion to mutter sulkily 
that Mephistopheles always knew how to secure the 
lion’s share. 

A little lad, whom the artists called their page, led the 
way, holding a paper lantern fastened to a cane. 

“ Transformed into a negro half an hour ago by my 
own hands,” said William Schulze, looking proudly at 
him. ‘‘ I first rubbed his skin with olive oil and after- 
wards black chalk, a very durable paint, which will last 
at least a month. The fez was contributed by Uncle 
Brasig, the wide pantaloons by the padrona. True 
wisdom consists in obtaining the most important results 
by the simplest means.” 

Schulze led the party by a way known only to himself ; 
he traversed every corridor and flight of stairs, to raise 
expectation to its utmost height. At last, in an almost 
incomprehensible fashion, they reached the terrace upon 
which the dining-room opened. The gentlemen had 
promised no more than they had performed. The gleam- 


224 


AT CAPRI. 


ing butterflies really rested among the orange trees; 
white and pink lilies, yellow and purple tulips flamed 
amid the green vines that covered the veranda; and 
through the open door appeared the transparency sur- 
rounded by laurel branches, the dance of the elves, 
illumined with most illusive naturalness by Endymion’s 
moon. “ Fortunately its rival will not appear until later,” 
said William Schulze, pointing to the dark sky. 

When Andy stepped upon the terrace, Bengal lights 
were burning, whose blood red rays streamed far into 
the night, revealing the little village of Capri, and steep- 
ing the bare cliffs in a magical glow. A cry of delight 
from the young girls and children, who had already as- 
sembled, greeted the scene. ^^Che bellezza P' rang from 
every lip. As darkness once more closed in and the 
stars sparkled brightly, the flowers sent forth an intoxi- 
cating perfume, and the white teeth glittered in the brown 
faces as the islanders laughed merrily. The whole scene 
assumed a strange, fairylike appearance. 

‘ Presto, presto, ballare ! ballare P cried Schulze, clap- 
ping his hands. Having spent several summers on the 
island, he knew all the girls by name. 

Bare feet,” said the general in surprise, as the motley 
crowd thronged in, “ and no national costume !” 


AT CAPRI. 


225 


Yes, even here the national costume had disappeared; 
long calico dresses and white kerchiefs were the usual 
attire, there was scarcely a bright red bodice or gay 
apron to be seen. The smoothly brushed hair displayed 
the noble contour of the head and was fastened at the 
nape of the neck by silver pins, that resembled spits 
But these figures needed no outward adornment. Instead 
of crowding awkardly into corners, they moved about 
with graceful ease; they were enjoying a pleasure them- 
selves, and the foreign spectators did not disturb them 
in the least ; at the utmost they pitied them because they 
took no part in the affair. A joyous murmuring and 
buzzing ran through the ranks, they nodded gaily to the 
artists and answered their jests with artless merriment. 

“ Where is the best dancer ?” cried William Schulze, 
surveying the room with the eye of a field marshal. 

Eccomi r replied a slender girl, who wore a coral 
necklace around her throat, “ I am the best so long as 
Giacinta is not here.” 

“ I know itffiglia mia ! Giacinta is principessa 

again and keeping us waiting.” 

“No, sir, she told me she could not come until she 
had finished her work at home ; she is alone, her mother 
and brother seldom help her.” • 

15 


226 


AT CAPRI. 


Just see how my granddaughter greets these girls/* 
said the general to Walter, “ no princess could be more 
gracious ! The affable expression with which she speaks 
to them — and they have neither shoes nor stockings on 
their feet ! I shall always say that a person can form no 
idea of Italy until he has seen it.” 

The dark skinned Nina was just replying to Andy’s 
question : “How long can I dance, Eccellenza ? Ma che 
viLole? As long as the tambourine sounds. I never 
get tired, I once danced a day and two nights without 
stopping, because a forestiere^ a Russian, wanted to try 
how long I could hold out. And afterwards I carried 
stones to Anacapri.” 

“ How old are you ?” 

“ I shall be sixteen at the next feast day of the holy 
Antonina.” 

“ Then you will soon be married,” observed the tall 
artist, who as he told Andy, felt like the patriarch of 
Capri. 

“ Certainly, Signor,” she answered frankly, “ I pray to 
the Holy Virgin that some good honest lad may be 
found, who will make me his wife.” 

“ There is my little friend. Marietta,” said the baroness, 

without her beloved asino! Call her here.” 


AT CAPRI. 


227 


We always dance together,” said Nina, eagerly beck- 
oning to her playfellow. 

Andy unfastened a gold locket from among the charms 
attached to her watch, and was about to give it to the 
young girl. Schulze interposed. 

“ No, no, madame, the people here have their own 
pride. They will beg and receive anything on the street, 
but here, where they are entitled to a share in the enter- 
tainment, such a gift would offend them. Do you know 
how Cecco is. Marietta?” he asked. 

The girl’s large dark eyes filled with tears. 

“ Povero Cecco / I haven’t heard a word from him.” 
Her little face assumed a melancholy expression. 

“You shall see, madame, how healthy and free from 
sentimentality are the opinions of these islanders — 
Poverina miaC he continued, turning to the pretty girl, 
" I was thoughtless to remind you of your sposo ; now 
you will sit sadly in the corner and not want to dance.” 

Marietta opened her great eyes in astonishment, as 
if she did not understand him. “ What a strange idea, 
signor ! If Cecco is sick, or — which may the Virgin 
forbid — dead, will it do him any good for me to weep 
for him here ? Weeping and wailing always come soon 
enough.” 


228 


AT CAPRI. 


“ That is the only true philosophy ! We might learn 
a great deal in this country, if we could only decide to 
throw overboard the useless ballast of romantic feeling 
brought from the other side of the Alps,” said Schulze, 
and Andy assented to the remark. 

The tambourine was brought in, to be subjected to a 
mysterious process ; it was held for some minutes over 
a lamp, probably, as Schulze observed, to acquire the 
warmth it afterwards infused into the dancers. The low 
buzzing notes it produced exerted an electrical influence 
upon the girls; the bare feet, whose delicacy of form 
could vie with those of the most aristocratic ladies, 
twitched impatiently, as if they could remain quiet no 
longer.' A tall girl, with a complexion almost the color 
of mahogany and glowing eyes, seized the tambourine, 
and waving it triumphantly over her head, sat down in a 
chair which took the place of an orchestra, and began to 
beat it. The hollow yet vibrating sound, and the ring- 
ing of the little bells, blended with the shrill, high- 
pitched singing of a half-grown lad, who uttered an 
infinite variety of words to a melody confined within the 
compass of about half a dozen notes. He stood beside 
the girl who was playing on the tambourine, with his 
hands crossed behind his back and his head bent for- 


AT CAPRI. 


229 


ward, pouring out the words with incredible verve and 
sharpness of accent. 

“ Tarantella !” shouted the young girls, exultantly 
clapping their hands. Nina and Marietta sprang for- 
ward, and now began that advancing and flying, twisting 
and turning, bending and swaying of the upper portion 
of the body, which form the simple and yet ever-chang- 
figures of the tarantella. By degrees the movements 
of the indefatigable dancers, who did not know what it 
was to be out of breath, grew more rapid ; their light 
dresses fluttered to and fro, but there was the most per- 
fect modesty in their deportment — even their ankles 
were scarcely visible — the world had vanished from their 
memory, nothing remained except the smooth stone 
floor over which they floated — the buzzing tambourine, 
whose notes made them half delirious with excitement. 
Each had eyes only for her chosen partner; a sign was 
sufficient for them to understand each other, and in- 
stantly pass into a new figure. Five or six couples 
danced together; if one girl sprang forw^ard, another 
instantly drew back and relieved the tambourine-player, 
who then in her turn joined the whirling circle. 

The most artless, unfeigned delight sparkled in their 
dark eyes and lurked in the smiles of the crimson lips ; 


230 


AT CAPRI, 


there was no panting for breath — no stamping; the 
slender figures glided to and fro without effort, swaying 
from the hips with inimitable grace ; now raising their 
rounded arms high above their heads ; now extending 
them as if in entreaty. 

Andy was delighted ; with sparkling eyes and half- 
parted lips, she gazed intently at the beautiful scene ; the 
atmosphere around her seemed to burn with a fiery glow 
and heat the blood in her veins. She leaned eagerly 
forward, and her dainty figure, swaying lightly to and 
fro, involuntarily obeyed the irresistible magic of the 
tarantella. She no longer noticed that a dark cloud still 
rested on Walter’s brow ; she forgot that the scene of 
to-day would be repeated on the morrow, and he would 
resolutely demand an explanation ; she did not think 
of the cavalry officer with the handsome, stupid face — 
she entered into the happiness of the moment, trembled 
with the longing to rush into the ranks of the dancers 
and whirl madly around. It afforded the artists no little 
pleasure to turn their eyes from the dark-skinned 
daughters of the island to the peach-like complexion 
of the elf with the gleaming golden hair. 

The general was speechless, but strained his eyes till 
they threatened to start from their sockets. 


AT CAPRI. 


231 


'‘ These girls are enchanting little witches,” he said, 
enthusiastically, to the professor; “ we have at the capital 
a ballet which is by no means bad, but I assure you I 
shall never go to it again. Wholly artificial and very 
clumsy, compared to this dancing.” 


232 


AT CAPRI, 


CHAPTER XIIL 

^OON after the dancing commenced, Gertrude had 
glided into the hall and noiselessly seated herself in 
a corner, from which she could overlook the whole scene. 
Walter approached her chair as soon as he discovered 
her ; the artist’s quiet bearing exerted a soothing influ- 
ence amid the wild abandon of the scene. He was not 
in the mood to share the universal hilarity ; the burden 
that oppressed his soul grew heavier whenever his eyes 
rested upon Andy. Could that childish face, so radiant 
with delight, so artlessly reflecting every emotion, de- 
ceive ? And what was the cause of this deceit ? 

“ This is the first time I ever saw a tarantella,” said 
Gertrude, in a pleasant tone ; “ and I am completely be- 
wildered by the impression. Is not this a highly-favored 
people? The attitudes these girls assume might drive 
an artist to despair, for every attempt to reproduce them 
would be stiff and tame. And the animation of the 
faces ! I can’t imagine how Italian artists, surrounded 
by types like these, can produce so many unnatural, in- 


AT CAPRI. 


233 


significant pictures. If I were a sculptor, little Marietta, 
as she floats with outstretched arms towards Nina, would 
seem the very ideal of a Hebe. When I went to walk 
just now, I passed a church, which I entered a moment. 
Marietta was kneeling, bathed in tears, before an image 
of the Virgin, to whom she had just offered a candle, 
praying, amid her sobs, that Cecco might return in 
safety. And now ” 

“ Now she is dancing like one possessed !” interrupted 
Walter. “ Does that surprise you ? She has left her 
tears before the altar of her patron saint, and now throws 
herself into the arms of pleasure. Evviva la gioia ! 
Do you not believe that, even in our circle, there are 
women who just as unconsciously obey every impulse 
of their changeful feelings ?” 

A whisper ran through the group of girls : “ La Gia- 
cinta, la Giacintal' they murmured audibly, and all eyes 
turned towards the new-comer. 

She stood leaning with folded arms against the door, 
the classic, clearly cut profile brightly illumined, the 
raven hair gathered into a knot fastened low on the 
proud neck. In the full consciousness of her faultless 
beauty, she allowed her dark eyes to wander carelessly 
over the crowd, where she found no one who could vie 


234 


AT CAPRI. 


with her. She wore nothing but a brown calico skirt, 
and red and white striped kerchief crossed over her 
bosom, but her noble bearing gave an aristocratic air to 
the simple costume. As soon as little Marietta perceived 
her, she instantly withdrew from the ranks to give up 
her place to Giacinta, who, with the exception of Nina, 
was considered the best dancer of the tarantella. 

There she is ! There she is ! I recognised her at 
once,” cried Andy eagerly. “ How fortunate that I am 
not a man; I should fall madly in love with her! 
Flames shoot from beneath her broad lids, and an ex- 
pression of deadly coldness lurks around the stern 
mouth — she is magnificent! How can you be so indif- 
ferent ?” she said almost angrily to the tall artist. “ He 
who can see so beautiful a creature without losing his 
head, has none at all.” 

“ I should neither have fallen in love with the Capito- 
line Venus, nor any other goddess,” he replied, twisting 
the ends of his moustache. Just think, madame, of 
always seeing before you the same classic features, which 
eternally wear the same expression. Horrible! I should 
finally slit her nose or lips, merely for the sake of a 
change. This monumental regularity annoys me — where 
nature exhausts herself in such perfect external beauty, 


AT CAPRI. 


235 


there is nothing left for the interior ; the brain is usually 
incomplete.” 

Giacinta had taken her place opposite Nina, and, bend-* 
ing lightly forward, allowed her smaller companion to 
circle around her; a spell seemed to paralyze her limbs; 
indolently, almost reluctantly, she followed the exciting 
rhythm of the music. Gradually she became more ani- 
mated, raised her arms, threw back her head, and glided 
with inimitable grace, which, however, was still blended 
with a shade of stern dignity, towards her more delicate 
partner ; then followed attitudes whose beauty could not 
be surpassed by the imagination of the most talented 
artists. For half an hour the two girls danced almost 
entirely alone, in the most rapid time, yet they did not 
pause to take breath, nor was the color heightened in 
their cheeks. The others had stopped to allow the 
.skill of these two to shine unimpaired. Little Marietta 
seemed fairly intoxicated with delight ; the tambourine 
whirled madly in her fingers, and her voice drowned 
that of the half-grown lad. 

In the open door stood and sat a dense crowd of 
women and children; brown faces peered in at the win- 
dows, and white teeth glittered in smiles. It was Capri, 
the classic island, the lonely rock in the blue sea. Out 


236 


AT CAPRI. 


of doors the waves plashed, the roses breathed forth 
their perfume, and the stars glittered ir\^all their splendor 
from the Italian sky. 

“ I shall never be able to live in the North again !” 
cried- Andy ; “ I shall always come back here to the home 
of pleasure. Dance with one of these charming girls,” 
she exclaimed, turning to Walter, whom she had sum- 
moned to her side ; how can you remain such a grave 
and sober spectator? Every nerve in my body is 
tingling !” 

He shook his head. We should destroy the picture, 
if we were to enter it in our stiff costume.” 

Endymion did not need to be asked. “ These girls 
dance polkas and waltzes better than our ladies,” he said 
to the professor, and drew one from the crowd, whom he 
released gasping for breath, after circling with her about 
a dozen times around the hall. She laughed at the 
signor for getting tired so soon, she could have held out 
an hour longer. 

“ The ladies ought to try it once,” said Schulze, who 
saw that the baroness could scarcely keep her little feet 
still. 

“ I don’t know,” she replied irresolutely, perhaps 
grandpapa would not approve.” 


AT CAPRI, 


237 


You need not observe the rules of etiquette at Capri,” 
persuasively answered Schulze, who was only too anxious 
to see her dance ; “ at the harvest festivals at home, no 
lady disdains to waltz with the steward’s son.” 

What do you think, Herr Professor ?” she asked 
hesitatingly. The noise drowned her words, so she bent 
towards him and whispered : “ Don’t look so gloomy, 
Walter, or I shall fear you are angry with me — did I not, 
like a fool, follow you here from Florence, and can you 
still seriously doubt my love ?” 

Before he could reply, Giacinta and Nina were standing 
before them, each with a glass of fiery Capri wine : 
sua salute, Eccellenza P' they said bowing, and twining 
their arms around each other, emptied the glasses to 
the dreg.s. 

“ Non vuole ballare T' asked Nina coaxingly, and added 
that they should consider it a great honor to teach the 
signora the tarantella. 

Andy struggled against her inclinations ; the old gen- 
eral looked thoughtful, said he should have no objection 
if it were not for the spectators, and whispered : “ Child, 
remember the artists, whom we really do not know at 
all — who can tell what sort of people they may be ?” 

The opposition irritated her, and starting up she ex- 


238 


AT CAPRI. 


claimed : “ Come, Fraulein Stdsser, you ought not to let 
me dance alone, you must join too.” 

Fraulein Camilla hesitated to obey the command, but 
Schulze whispered : Don’t spoil our pleasure, dear Frau- 
lein, my friend Endymion has not ventured to ask you 
to dance yet, he is so very timid, it will encourage him 
if you enter the ranks.” 

Nina seized her by the hand and drew her into the 
middle of the room. Andy, who always asserted that 
nature had intended her for a ballet dancer, had long 
since mastered the simple and yet, in consequence of 
their complications, difficult figures of the national dance. 
At first she imitated Giacinta’s movements timidly and 
slowly, then grew firmer and bljlder; her little feet 
scarcely seemed to touch the floor ; she threw back the 
loose sleeves of her dress, so that they revealed the 
white, rounded arms ; her mother-of-pearl comb fell out, 
and the red gold tresses floated in glittering waves around 
the dainty figure. Giacinta, perceiving a worthy partner, 
gave herself up without reserve to the intoxicating 
motion ; every nerve swelled with energy ; she resembled 
one of those Bacchantes who circle with upraised arms 
around the chariot of Dionysius, but the classic face 
still preserved the same cold expression, and no tinge 


AT CAPRI. 


239 


of color suffused the pale cheeks. Andy, who vied with 
her in passionate energy, was glowing like a crimson 
rose ; her eyes glittered with a fiery light, and sparks 
seemed to dart from her floating hair. 

“ A flame, an embodied flame !” said the artists, who 
could not weary of gazing at the wonderful contrast. 
The fair daughter of the North concealed within her 
heart a more intense ardor than the girl born near 
Vesuvius. 

Meantime Fraulein Stdsser had honestly endeavored 
to perform the peculiar dance, which cannot be taught. 
She twisted, she put one arm on her hip and raised the 
other, she balanced conscientiously to and fro, only she 
usually executed the figures at the wrong time, so that 
Nina, her active graceful partner, became impatient and 
told her to go now to the right, now to the left. The portly 
authoress panted, her fat, good-natured face grew almost 
purple — no, this pleasure was horribly tiresome ! Never- 
theless she would have continued to dance until utterly 
exhausted, for Endymion and Uncle Brasig were watch- 
ing her with interest — only the most complete self- 
control prevented the latter from throwing himself on the 
floor and bursting into shouts of laughter — had not Ger- 
trude, the stern Gertrude, come forward, seized her by 


240 


AT CAPRI, 


the hand, and whispered : Stop, Camilla, you are 
making yourself ridiculous !” 

^‘Ridiculous!” She turned angrily away — had not 
the old general, kind old gentleman that he was^just 
said : 

“Well, that is very pretty, my dear Fraulein; but 
hard work, isn’t it ? Makes you very warm ?” 

And Schulze gravely assured her that she had decided 
talent, and, for a first attempt, had succeeded wonderfully 
well. 

“ Wonderfully,” repeated Uncle Brasig, and disap- 
peared behind a laurel-bush, to give vent to his mirth 
undisturbed. 

“ You will kill yourself, Andy!” cried the old general 
to his granddaughter, who was vying with the girls of 
the island in endurance. 

A new idea darted into the reckless little head — she 
snatched the tambourine from Marietta’s hand, and beat- 
ing it as skilfully as if she had practised the art for years, 
took the place of the young girl, whom she pushed 
among the dancers, glancing triumphantly around as a 
burst of applause greeted this unexpected intermezzo. 
As she sat there, with her little feet crossed, her head 
with its wealth of hair thrown back, and a saucy smile 


AT CAPE I. 


241 


on her lips, even Gertrude could not turn her eyes away. 
She was one of those fortunate mortals who can venture 
upon anything, because they do everything with grace 
and ease. The coy Giacinta seemed bewitched by the 
foreign lady. B una diavolina per hallare she ex- 
claimed admiringly; physical suppleness made a greater 
impression upon her than Gertrude’s genius in producing 
a picture upon canvas. 

“ For Heaven’s sake, don’t drink that !” exclaimed 
Schulze, and Walter rushed with him towards the 
thoughtless beauty, who was raising a glass of ice-water 
to her lips. But she had just drained it at a single 
draught. 

“ Why should I be hurt by what the others do ?” she 
asked, glancing at the peasant-girls, who constantly 
drank water in the intervals of the dance. 

“ The best antidote is to dance again,” replied Schulze ; 
“ I will represent the orchestra, for I am not wholly inex- 
perienced in such arts.” 

Waltz time!” she cried, laughing joyously, and 
drawing Erichsen away with her. “ You won’t refuse 
me ?” she whispered. “ I have never danced with you, 
and would wager that you are an admirable partner.” 

16 


242 


AT CAPRI. 


What could he do but throw his arm around her and 
fly through the hall ? 

“ Look kindly at mjs once,” she pleaded gently. “ It 
seems as if I had been transported into another world, 
where only pleasure wields the sceptre. To-morrow it 
will be over ; let me enjoy myself thoroughly to day.” 

“ How could you allow yourself to be carried away by 
your thoughtless gayety, Andy ? It tortured me to see 
how those strangers’ eyes followed your every move- 
ment.” 

Her red lips curled somewhat scornfully. “ What do 
I care for these people ? I shall never meet them 
again ! ” 

“ And each individual can say you danced the taran- 
tella before him with inimitable grace.” 

“ Let them — it is a matter of indifference to me.” 

“ And my opinion also ?” 

“ I will plead to you until you absolve your little Andy. 
And now I will hear no more reproaches” — she pressed 
his hand — “ I have confessed my fault, and that is the 
most essential thing.” 

“You still owe me a confession.” 

“ What is it ?” 

“ How you obtained that young officer’s picture.” 


AT CAPJRI. 


243 


“Oh, how tiresome!” she said with a comical em- 
phasis, pretending to suppress a yawn. “ If you knew 
what unpleasant thoughts you conjure up I Let us defer 
the explanation a few days — it will take too much time 
now.” 

The answer did not satisfy him, but the bewitching 
little creature exercised a tolerably powerful influence 
over his imagination and his heart. It was inconceivable 
that she, who had shown him her love in such an impul- 
sive, spontaneous manner, could be bound by other ties. 
The handsome young man was no rival — the scornful 
indifference with which she spoke of him had not been 
feigned. What was he then ? A relative ? Good 
heavens, how elastic and comprehensive was the idea 1 

The ball continued its course undisturbed. A German 
artist, who had lately arrived from his own country, 
kept time on his violin — which he played very tolerably 
— to the notes of the tambourine ; a quadrille followed a 
polka. Andy went from one partner to another, and 
each released her reluctantly. Fraulein Stdsser reckoned 
this evening among the brightest hours of her life ; as 
there were very few ladies, she was in demand and 
received a great many invitations to dance. Schulze 
danced with her in a quadrille, and entertained her very 


244 


AT CAPRI. 


amusingly while executing the most extraordinary 
steps. 

Gertrude had refused all invitations. “I have never 
enjoyed this pleasure, and am too old to make up for 
lost time.” 

She had gone out upon the terrace, and was gazing 
into the brightly lighted room with its gay company. 
Giacinta leaned on the balustrade beside her, eagerly 
watching the beautiful lady with the golden hair, who 
danced the tarantella like a native. 

” Has she a sposo ?” she asked Gertrude. 

I don’t know ; she is a widow.” 

“ Una vedova ! Poveretta ! She won’t remain on» 
long; her eyes bewitch all the men. The signor for 
whom Marietta .carries so many books to the Punta, 
never looks away from her, although he is talking to the 
general with the white hair. Una bellissima creatnra ! 
She is as light as a feather; I could lift her with one 
hand. She told me she would come to see me in my 
casetta, and let me row her out on the sea.” 

Even a nature so wild and untamed as Giacinta’s feels 
the magic of this peculiar, incomprehensible charm, 
thought Gertrude. Providence cannot provide for a 
woman better than by endowing her with grace and 


AT CAPRI. 


245 


beauty. She had sought her chamber long before, when 
the breeze still bore on its wings the notes of the violin 
and tambourine. Suddenly the music stopped. It was 
when Andy, with a hasty greeting to the company, and 
the words : “ I thank you, gentlemen ; I shall never 
forget your entertainment !” glided from the room. She 
always disappeared in this unexpected manner, for she 
hated introductory phrases, such as: It is quite time to 
go ; I believe I must think of leaving, and such remarks 
in which women usually spend an hour before they carry 
out their design. Andy knew her advantage better. 
When she left a gay circle, she was universally regretted. 
People asked : Where did she go ? I just saw her here! 
No, she was sitting there I And so each busied himself 
with the vision that had vanished like a will-o’-the-wisp. 

The general, who had courteously thanked the gentle- 
men for the pleasure afforded his granddaughter, said to 
Walter : “ The child is terribly hard to manage. It is a 
wonder that all her incivilities are pardoned. Would 
you believe that she left Rome, where she had been so 
cordially received, without making a single farewell 
visit ? She said : ‘ Have the trunks packed ; we will leave 
to-morrow, and I shall call on nobody. It is a stupid 
custom to tell every individual where and why you are 


246 


AT CAPRI. 


going, and be obliged to answer the inevitable question : 
“What impression did Rome make upon you?” I 
should of course answer, out of mere opposition : “None 
at all, or a very slight one,” and at last be voted very 
stupid.’ She insisted upon having her own way, and the 
only concession I obtained was that she sent cards ” 

“And then she risks her life to save a stranger’s 
child !” observed Erichsen. 

The general nodded. “ My wife and I have given up 
the attempt to exert any influence over her. Although 
she looks so ridiculously young, she is no longer a child, 
and as a rule behaves with due consideration. She 
marks out a straight line, and although she diverges a 
hundred times, always returns to it. When she was a 
little girl only six years old, she said, ‘ I am going to be 
wild for half an hour !’ And then she really acted like 
a young colt ; but the instant the time was over she 
stopped, sat down, and behaved as quietly as the most 
well-bred child. I wish I were at ease in regard to her 
future. She must marry of course ; circumstances 
compel her to do so, and she is too wise to run her head 
against a wall. Good-night. Find some opportunity of 
speaking to her ; she has a very high opinion of you.” 

How high that opinion was, the worthy, but by no 
means sharp-sighted general, did not suspect. 


AT CAPRI. 


247 


In the dining-hall below, the young girls, after devour- 
ing huge piles of maccaroni, scattered like a swarm of 
bees. The artists extinguished the paper lanterns, which 
might prove useful on some other occasion. Fraulein 
Stosser had been escorted to the upper story by Endy- 
mion, who seemed to have submitted to his fate of 
playing the r61e of her adorer. Then a bowl of punch 
was brewed, around which the artists sat until daybreak. 
William Schulze proposed the health of a betrothed 
couple, who would not long conceal their happiness — 
which produced an angry reply from Endymion. 

Walter lingered along time in the loggia adjoining his 
room ; an intoxicating perfume exhaled from the little 
orange garden, and blended in friendly fashion with the 
aroma of his cigar. The deep silence around, the soft, 
dark night invited meditation. True, the elf with the 
gleaming hair — “ the flame,” as William Schulze christ- 
ened her — hovered before his memory, but by degrees 
clearness of thought returned 

The blood mounted to his temples, as with inexorable 
sternness he said to himself: “ I am the secret lover of 
an aristocratic lady, who has not the courage to ac- 
knowledge me before the world !” Might not her 
grandparents reproach him with having betrayed their 


248 


AT CAPRI. 


confidence ? Believing him to be a man of honor, they 
had admitted him to their home, and often intrusted 
their granddaughter to his protection. If Andy loved 
him with the strength of which she was capable, she 
would overlook all external considerations and share his 
fate — and he — yes, it would make him happy to have 
this fluttering sunbeam, this gay, mischievous sprite 
always near him. She had stolen his heart, there was a 
magic in her presence that intoxicated the coldest nature. 
When he imagined how, after being exhausted by severe 
mental labor, he would hear the low, silvery laughter, the 
witty prattle, he already felt refreshed and strengthened. 
Among the cautious, deliberate natures, which modern 
times have produced, even among women, this original 
character, so far removed from all calculation and plot- 
ting, was like a bubbling woodland spring. What was 
the meaning of the bracelet ? Pshaw ! a mere piece of 
childish nonsense, to which he had attributed far too 
much importance. Had she not, in his society, always 
been truthful and sincere ? How frankly she had related 
her past life! not many women would have had the 
courage to make such an unreserved confession. She 
would give the explanation he had somewhat imperiously 
demanded of her own free will ; he need only refrain 


AT CAPRI. 


249 


from forcing her to it ; she was easily guided by affection. 
He would educate her by degrees ; this noble nature 
still promised a beautiful flower. Yes, he loved her 
passionately, it was useless to struggle against the con- 
viction. The words she had murmured in a tone of 
comic reproach still rang in his ears : “ Did I not follow 
you here from Florence — can you ask a stronger proof 
of my love ?” 


250 


AT CAPRI, 


CHAPTER XIV. 


HE next morning the sky was of the purest, deepest 



blue, but a strong wind blew, which, should it 
increase in violence, threatened to separate Capri from 
the mainland. Walter’s hat was torn from his head 
as he walked to the Punta, and only little Marietta’s 
goat-like agility succeeded in catching it ere it was 
hurled into a bottomless gulf She prattled gaily about 
the previous evening, how all the girls agreed that the 
entertainment was the finest ever given on the island, how 
the padrone had been ordered to charge one fiasco di 
vino after another to the artists, how delicious the mac- 
caroni was ; but the crown of everything had been the 
bella principessa bionda. Giacinta had said that the sun 
need not shine in the North, because the ladies- had 
such bright hair ; and if all the people were as kind and 
cordial as the signora, she would go there without hesi- 
tation. '' E la Giacinta^ che lo dice!'" added the child 
emphatically, as if she meant to say : her words have 
double weight ! 


AT CAPRI. 


251 


“ She would be a charming bride for you !” laughed 
Marietta, with feminine cunning. 

“ In our country girls do not think of marrying,” he 
answered humorously. 

“ Don’t think of marrying ?” she exclaimed, opening 
her black eyes to their widest extent ; “ of what do they 
think then ?” 

“ Of studying ; they learn a great deal from books.” 

'' Povere ragazze !" she sighed, compassionating the 
sad fate of her sisters, who were compelled to fill their 
heads with learning, instead of looking out for a suitor. 

Morning had not, as often happens, shown matters to 
Walter in a different light; on the contrary he had 
become more decided and resolute in his plans and 
designs. It even seemed to him as if he had hitherto 
exaggerated the difficulties that beset an alliance with 
Andy. After all, it was no such remarkable event that 
the granddaughter of General Von Willberg, the Baro- 
ness Von Valmont, should give her hand to a professor, 
whose name was not unknown to fame. Heaven be 
praised, distinctions of rank were no longer so broadly 
marked, and in the capital particularly people were toler- 
ably enlightened in this respect ; some of the principal 
physicians, nay some of his own colleagues had married 


252 


AT CAPRI, 


ladies of noble birth, and no one wondered at it. He 
had learned from Von Linden, and Andy had confirmed 
the truth of the story, that General Von. Willberg had 
no property ; the thought that his granddaughter might 
be left unprovided for, seemed to have already made the 
old gentleman anxious, his remarks yesterday indicated 
it. Walter’s position and income would probably soon 
improve, his pen was daily winning him wider renown, 
and he felt a vital energy which would require a long 
time to be exhausted. True, he could not offer Andy a 
brilliant life, but her existence would be one of ease 
and comfort. If she loved him, the sacrifice would be a 
very trifling one. The dainty boots at sixty francs a pair, 
which might be torn the second day they were donned, 
must first be laid on the altar ; the long dresses with their 
costly trimmings would follow ; the saddle-horse and 
private carriage would perhaps weigh heavily in the 
scale. But if she loved him ! 

Meantime he listened to the prattling of little Ma- 
rietta; it pleased him that these simple artless people 
should admire and gaze at Andy as if she were a creature 
from fairyland. The wind was not felt on the Punta, 
as the high cliffs on either side completely shielded it. 
The waves were beginning to show caps of foam, and the 


AT CAPRI, 


253 


water had that transparent blue color, which is peculiar 
to it when a storm is stirring its depths. 

After forming a fixed determination to have an ex- 
planation in regard to his relations with Andy, Walter 
had regained his calmness. As soon as anything re- 
ceived a settled place in his life, it ceased to exert a dis- 
turbing influence upon his mind. It was with renewed 
energy that he turned his attention to his work to-day ; 
he did not listen for the rustle of a dress, the silvery 
tones of a childish voice, but became completely ab- 
sorbed in his task. Words and images poured into his 
mind, points of comparison and combinations appeared 
of their own accord, many a ray of light darted across 
his brain so suddenly and unexpectedly, that he thought 
the clear, convincing argument must have long since 
slumbered within him. 

He had written in this way for several hours, almost 
without looking up, when he heard a light step coming 
down the slope ; his composure was strangely disturbed ; 
it must be Andy! No, it was not; she would not have 
stepped over the rolling stones so cautiously — the path 
was by no means dangerous to one free from giddiness. 
The figure in the brown woollen dress, with the broad- 
brimmed black straw hat, was Gertrude, who carried her 


254 


AT CAPRI. 


sketch-book under her arm, her camp-chair and um- 
brella in her hand. 

“ Fraulein Stade !” exclaimed Walter, gaily ; “ are you 
going to bear me company in my solitude ? That would 
be so delightful that I scarcely venture to utter the sup- 
position.” 

He started up and held out his hand. The artist 
merely touched it with the tips of her fingers. 

“ Let us omit these compliments,” she said, with a 
faint smile ; ” I neither desire nor know how to answer 
them. I shall trouble myself as little about you as you 
will about me, and thus we can both be at ease and 
industrious.” 

“ I don’t doubt that you will ignore me and have eyes 
only for your sketch, but permit me to rejoice in this 
interruption. May I ask you to devote a little of your 
attention to the contents of this basket? I am very 
hungry, for I forgot to give my stomach its necessary 
sustenance.” 

“Thank you ; I lunched before I left the house.” 

“ Did you walk all the way, carrying your chair, um- 
brella and portfolio ?” 

“ I am used to these rambles.” 

“ Then at least do not grudge yourself a few minutes’ 


AT CAPRI. 


255 


rest ; weary and exhausted as you are, you cannot pos- 
sibly begin to work at once. Do me the favor to eat 
this orange — unluckily, I have no glass to offer you some 
wine, and I dare not ask you to drink out of the bottle.'’ 

Gertrude could not, without seeming uncivil, decline 
the friendly offer ; she removed the ugly, disfiguring hat, 
pushed the thick black hair back from her pale face, and 
slowly began to peel the orange. 

“ Does not my intrusion into your universally re- 
spected asylum surprise you ?” she asked, with downcast 
lashes. “ I told you only yesterday that I had given up 
my plan of sketching this view.” 

” For the present, you said, because you had other 
work to finish.” 

“ Yes, it is so ; but to-day I was forced to experience 
that even a firm will sometimes fails. I was not capable 
of executing my task. My room is oppressively hot ; a 
mist swam before my eyes, so that I could scarcely dis- 
tinguish the colors. I feared I might spoil the whole 
picture by some awkward stroke, and therefore deter- 
mined to cease working. A change often produces an 
inspiriting effect. I hope I shall succeed better in 
sketching from nature, that the fresh air will strengthen 
my nerves.” 


256 


AT CAPRI. 


“You really do look ill, Fraulein Gertrude,” replied 
Walter, gazing with earnest sympathy at the young girl, 
who was seated at some distance from him ; “ if 1 might 
venture to assume authority over you, I would order 
you to do nothing for three months.” 

“ Would you obey such a command?” 

“ I could not, because circumstances prevent.” 

“ I am in the same situatiort. We women who earn 
our livelihood and win our own places in life, must toil 
like men, without having their physical strength, — 
therein lies the difficulty.” 

There was no reply to be made to this. Only a kind 
fairy, who might have flung a fortune into the girl’s lap, 
could have given a cheering answer. Gertrude had 
risen to select the best point from which to make her 
sketch. 

“ So you paint landscapes also ?” asked Erichsen. 

“ I at first thought my talents were limited exclusively 
to that department, until I afterwards discovered my 
real field — genre pictures ; yet the landscape studies I 
have conscientiously made are of great assistance to me.” 

She bent over the portfolio on her lap and sketched 
the outlines of the picture with a firm hand. Walter 
took up his pen, which soon moved swiftly and steadily 


AT CAPRI. 


257 


over the paper. Two hours elapsed in this manner, 
without a look or word having been exchanged between 
the two. Walter, who had just written the concluding 
sentence of a paragraph, raised his head and leaned com- 
fortably back. Gertrude’s profile was turned towards 
him, and he noticed its pure, noble outlines ; the beau- 
tiful contour of the head was plainly visible under the 
smoothly-brushed hair; the heavy black braids that 
rested like a diadem above her brow, increased the classic 
character of the regular features. She only lacked the 
charm of grace to be really beautiful ; her face was pale 
and colorless, and around the mouth appeared stern 
lines, which must deepen prematurely into wrinkles ; the 
heavy eyebrows looked sinister and gloomy. 

The girl felt the gaze fixed upon her ; she would not 
turn, but under its influence a dark flush mounted slowly 
to her temples. 

‘'How well she can look!” thought Walter; “she 
must once have been a beauty.” 

Once! She was only three years older than Andy, 
yet care and deprivations had already effaced the bloom 
of youth. 

“I think it my duty to disturb you, Fraulein Ger- 

17 


258 


AT CAPRI. 


trude. Let us talk for fifteen minutes. I will be respon- 
sible for the waste of time.” 

She laid aside her brush, and he begged permission 
to examine her work. 

“You paint with wonderful rapidity!” he exclaimed in 
surprise. Her great talent was evident from the fact, 
that the first strokes were enough to induce any one to 
say that a few spots of color would be sufficient to dis- 
tinctly show the idea of the picture. 

“ Does it not cause you pain to be compelled to resign 
the children of your fancy to strangers ?” 

“ No ; the bond that unites me to them is sundered as 
soon as the gilt frame encloses them. I am even glad 
to get rid of them, not only because they have brought 
me money, — although I take that also into account — but 
because they have become too independent of me. 
They seem to look at me coldly. I have an uncomfort- 
able feeling in regard to them.” 

“ Then, if not restrained by necessity, you would be 
negligent in the execution ?” 

“ It might be so, and certainly to the detriment of my 
talent. I should perhaps lose the power to finish any- 
thing. I always prefer to paint certain portions of my 
pictures — a head, a figure, an effect of light; then the 


AT CAPRI. 


259 


brush seems to move of its own accord, and I feel as if 
I were involuntarily obeying some controlling power. 
The remainder requires very perceptible exertion.” 

“ Probably the portions that most interest you are 
those in w'hich the meaning of the picture is centred.” 

“Usually. Yet I reproach myself for this unequal 
interest ; for nothing should be of secondary importance 
to the artist. Raphael, in his masterly picture of Leo 
X., painted the bell standing on the table with the same 
care as the features of the marked countenance.” 

Walter had never heard Gertrude talk so agreeably. 
Her curt, abrupt replies to his questions, which, to be 
sure, only concerned the most trivial things, had repelled 
him. He now discovered that she possessed a pleasant 
voice, and conversed in a very animated, natural manner. 
If she only had not worn that horrible straw hat, which 
doubtless protected her eyes very well, but resembled 
the lid of a pot! Besides, the rest of her toilette was 
too plain and tasteless. She might have paid a little 
more attention to her personal appearance. 

“How much longer do you expect to remain here?” 
he asked. 

“ I shall set out on my return in a month, but do not 
yet know whether I shall remain until then at Capri.” 


260 


AT CAPRI. 


“ I remember having heard that you lived in Paris. 
Shall you go back there ?” 

“ No ;* I am going home.” 

“ Home ?” 

“ Does it surprise you that a lonely girl has a home ?” 
she asked quickly. A bright expression flitted over her 
grave face. “ Certainly I have one. It is small and 
plain, but I feel happy in it. Much as I have enjoyed 
this journey to Italy, for which I passionately longed and 
really made great sacrifices, the yearning often seizes upon 
me to be once more within my own four walls, where each 
article of furniture is connected with some memory. 
How I was obliged to economize, ^ pour tire dans mes 
meublesl as they say in Paris. When I had at last accu- 
mulated the necessary money, and for the first time 
entered a furniture store to select the articles needed for 
my room, I was actually excited — I, who am usually 
so calm. One must know the annoyances to which a 
lady is exposed in furnished lodgings to be able to 
understand my delight. Now it seems to me as if I 
were living like a princess, because I am no longer 
obliged to calculate as carefully as before. When I 
think how I was compelled to economize in Paris ” 

“ Did you go there alone ?” 


AT CAPBI. 


261 


She nodded. “ Entirely alone, and I was only eighteen 
years old, did not understand the language — for French 
was not taught on the Luneburg moors — and the money 
given me by friends was scarcely enough for a bare 
maintenance. Fortunately, my teacher was sufficiently 
interested in my talent to allow me to visit his studio 
gratuitously — a great relief to me. After I had sketched 
and painted all day, satisfying my appetite with a hand- 
ful of roasted chestnuts, I climbed five flights of stairs 
to my attic, prepared my simple dinner, which at the 
utmost consisted only of fried potatoes and salad, and 
by the aid of a grammar, dictionary, and some old 
newspapers, which I bought as waste paper, learned 
French. At the end of a few months, I could speak 
with tolerable ease, and as soon as I could understand 
what people said, lost the sad sense of complete loneli- 
ness.” 

“You have been obliged to torment yourself as 
much as I.” 

She fixed her dark eyes upon him. 

“ Have you too struggled with want ?” she asked in 
surprise. 

“As a student, and afterwards as a private tutor, my 
income did not exceed yours,” he answered smiling ; “ it 


262 


AT CAPRI. 


is not long since the purchase of a pair of gloves caused 
me a great deal of perplexity.” 

“ Gloves I then reckoned as articles of luxury, with 
which I could dispense, but I have been ready to shed 
tears over the symptoms of impending dissolution in 
boots, to whose durability I had unsuspiciously trusted. 
St ange,” she said after a pause, “I did not think you 
had ever struggled with want ! I have often noticed 
that care leaves much deeper and more indelible traces 
on women, than men. We cannot deny it when we have 
suffered, and the flower of our lives seems for ever 
crushed.” 

“ You are more delicately organized,” he replied ; “ and 
if our society were not so artificial, would be spared the 
necessity of vying with us.” 

She had taken up her brush and palette, and was 
busily painting again. “ I can be very well satisfied with 
the goal I have attained, and must gratefully acknowledge 
that I have been endowed with a talent which half 
obviates the necessity of industry ; but one thing has re- 
mained to me from the toilsome past — the fear of want ! 
He who calls poverty poetical can never have experienced 
it ; there is nothing more prosaic.” 

Walter assented to this opinion, and both became 
once more absorbed in their occupations. 


AT CAPRI. 


263 


Herr Professor,” Gertrude said at last. 

He started, the afternoon was already far advanced. 
The artist was preparing to depart, and had already 
donned the ugly black pot-lid she called a hat. 

“ Is it so late ?” asked Walter, pressing his hand across 
his brow. 

She pointed to the mountain peaks, already glowing 
with the crimson light of sunset. 

Leave your traps here, Fraulein ; why should you 
drag them home with you ? Marietta will put everything 
on the donkey.” 

Gertrude declined the proposal. “ They do not trou- 
ble me, and I am very particular about my tools, I never 
trust them to any one.” 

She was standing before him laden with various 
articles. 

“ At least allow me to help you up the steep path. 
You might slip and fall.” 

This request Gertrude also declined. I should like 
to ask you one favor, Herr Professor,” she said with a 
slight shade of embarrassment. 

I am entirely at your service.” 

“ You are well acquainted with Baroness Von Val- 
mont, and I believe an old friend.” 


264 


AT CAPRI. 


Walter’s assent was somewhat curt. 

“You know also that Fraulein Stosser often serves as 
a butt for the jests of the artists at the albergo; I must 
admit she unfortunately often promotes their aim by 
many an act of absurdity ; her failing, however, is only 
vanity, which injures no one except herself. I have 
often told her the truth, but she is incorrigible. I cannot 
protect her against jokes confined within certain limits; 
she has only herself to blame and is old enough to be 
her own guardian, but I should like to save her from 
being too harshly used. Scenes such as dancing the 
tarantella yesterday must not be repeated.” Gertrude 
cast down her eyes and continued: “I should like 
to ask you to use your influence with the baroness, that 
the latter may not induce Fraulein Stosser to commit 
any more of the extravagances which expose her to 
universal ridicule.” 

“ I will fulfil your request, although I am sure that 
the baroness’s tact will render my interference super- 
fluous.” 

Gertrude detected the repressed indignation in the 
tone of his voice ; he was angry with her for having 
ventured to express anything that resembled disapproval 
or censure of Andy’s conduct. It wounded her that he 


AT CAPBI, 


265 


offered his hand so coldly in bidding her farewell. How 
deeply he must love this woman, if he could not endure 
to have the slightest shadow rest upon her image ! She 
too had formed a fixed resolution during the previous 
night: if Erichsen prolonged his stay at Capri, she 
would leave the island, where frequent interviews could 
not be avoided. She had remained in his presence 
several hours to-day, as a sort of test of her self-control. 
Her love for him had obtained more and more mastery 
over her soul, and, as she perceived with terror, paralyzed 
her imagination. The weariness and lassitude that often 
overpowered her, the indolence that prevented eager, 
active work, were the natural consequences of the grief 
that oppressed her heart. There could be no other hap- 
piness for her than labor, continual labor ; she possessed 
a talent which, in the opinion of others, was enough in 
itself to brighten and satisfy "a life. She did not quarrel 
with her fate, but oftentimes a horror stole over her at 
the thought that each morning she would rise and sit at 
her easel precisely as she had done the day before, and 
so on for years, until her death. Always alone, wrapped 
up in herself, depending on herself, laboring for herself 
Must not feeling and imagination gradually wither and 
die, and would she not be compelled, like many of the 


266 


AT CAPRI. 


colleagues whom she despised, to conceal the lack of 
real feeling by the technical merit of the picture? And 
then the one thing which had hitherto sustained and 
consoled her — pleasure in her own creations — would 
vanish. 


AT CAPRI, 


267 


CHAPTER XV. 

'"Jp'HE curtains in Baroness Von Valmont’s sleeping- 
room were still closed, though it was late in the 
morning. She boasted with good reason of her unim- 
paired health ; her inner organization seemed as perfect 
as the external husk that inclosed it. The only medi- 
cine she required to battle against any impending illness, 
was sleep. The remedy must have been in her own 
constitution, for it never failed. Whenever she felt ill 
or had endured any violent agitation, she threw herself 
on a bed and went to sleep, and this slumber, which, in 
its perfect repose, resembled that of a little child, had 
sometimes lasted twenty-four hours. When she awoke, 
she was fresh and bright as a rose. 

To-day also her eyes did not open until noon ; she 
had gone to bed late, and the violent exertion of dancing 
had probably wearied her, though she did not know it. 
Her maid had received orders not to wake her under any 
circumstances, but wait until summoned by her bell. 

At twelve o’clock William Schulze appeared, to in- 


268 


AT CAFBI. 


quire for the baroness’s health, and humbly ask if she 
remembered the promise she had given him yesterday, 
to grant him the honor of sitting? The tall artist knew 
how to express himself in remarkably well chosen lan- 
guage, if occasion required. 

He treated the maid very courteously, called her 
mademoiselle, and asked how she liked Italy ? The 
Frenchwoman answered, Oh! trh bien, c'est assez joli'A 
only she did not understand how people could admire 
old rubbish and ruins ; if all these things were removed 
and cleaned, the country would be “ infiniment plus joliP 
But even '^Madame la Baronnd' was delighted with 
them. 

William Schulze eagerly took advantage of every op- 
portunity to extend his knowledge, and therefore asked 
whether mademoiselle had been long in the baroness’ 
service ? 

Yes, she had been in the family seven years and known 
the late M. le Baron. In reply to the remark that he 
was undoubtedly a very agreeable man, she indignantly 
replied : 

“ He wasn’t a man at all ! He was a skeleton, a 
corpse, a monster ! My poor young mistress — how he 
tormented her !” she sighed. 


AT CAPRI. 


269 


Schulze could not make any farther inquiries; besides, 
he was satisfied with what he had heard ; it confirmed 
his own conjectures. According to his opinion, a 
woman who talked frequently and with deep emotion 
about the “ dear departed,” had usually tormented him 
to death ; while one who maintained a rigid silence about 
her connubial felicity, had been ill-treated. He begged 
the maid to tell her mistress that he would be ready for 
her at any hour that suited her convenience. The 
French woman, glancing at the clock, replied that 
madame would probably ring immediately; she rarely 
slept later than noon ; but she did not venture to knock, 
although a letter had arrived which probably contained 
important news, as His Excellency, the General, had 
ordered her to give it to the baroness at once. 

William Schulze bowed, and, after again begging her 
not to forget his message, took his leave. 

monsieur trh bien quoique Allemand” thought 
the maid, taking up her work again ; she liked him much 
better than the professor, who had something about him 
which utterly precluded the idea that he would ever 
enter into a confidential conversation with a waiting- 
maid. But, after all, that is madame’s affair. And she 
was devoted to her mistress, who, although prone to fits 


270 


AT CAPRI, 


of temper, always made up for them by lavish gifts and 
redoubled kindness. A bell rang loudly, and Cdcile 
started up. 

“ Open the blinds, C^cile,” said Andy, stretching her- 
self sleepily. 

The radiant noonday sun flooded the room and wove 
a web of golden rays over the unbound hair. The young 
widow had half risen from her bed, and, resting her 
white arm on the pillows, was rubbing her sleepy eyes; 
her cheeks were flushed, and the lace-trimmed night- 
dress, which had slipped from her shoulders, revealed 
the graceful outlines of the delicate neck. The charm- 
ing head sank lazily back again, and the little mouth 
parted in a prolonged yawn. 

“ Bring my tea, Cdcile ; I will breakfast in bed.” 

“ There is a letter for madame.” 

“ A letter ? Give it to me.” She lazily extended her 
hand. One glance at the address was enough. She 
sprang out upon the floor, and cried, in a curt, imperious 
tone : “ Make haste ! Do you suppose I don’t mean to 
get up at all to-day ? Quick ! get my stockings, my 
slippers, my dressing-gown ” 

The maid hastily obeyed these commands. When the 
baroness clenched her teeth upon her lips and contracted 


AT CAPEL 


271 


her delicate brows, her servants flew to execute her 
orders and did not venture to make any reply. 

C^cile had scarcely left the room, when Andy threw 
herself into a chair beside the window and carefully 
examined the letter. She read the address, which ran 
as follows : d Madame la Baronne Andy de Valmont^ 
and looked at the seal, which displayed a coat-of-arms 
surmounted by a count’s coronet. It seemed to cost her 
an eflbrt to break it. She caught up the almanac lying 
on the table. The time will be over in four weeks,” she 
murmured gloomily. “ So soon ! I must have been 
mistaken in supposing the interval of liberty would last 
longer. And now I must, I must decide.” 

She tore the envelope open. The external form of 
the letter was faultless, the thickest English paper, the 
hand firm, though not flowing— the writer probably did 
not often guide a pen— the pages written only on one 
side. Andy noticed all this in spite of her feverish 
agitation ; then she began to read. 

“ If he wrote it himself,” she murmured, after she had 
perused the contents and was pacing hastily up and 
down the room, “ he at least understands how to express 
himself clearly and positively. Short, curt sentences, 
and yet no arrogance of tone ! Not a word of love, 


272 


AT CAPRI. 


thank Heaven ! Merely a statement of facts. I cannot 
deny that his conduct in this affair has been considerate 
and gentlemanly — he has neither intruded upon me, nor 
troubled himself about my actions. It is useless — I 
must, I must ! And Walter !” she cried with a sudden 
sob. “ I love him so dearly, so dearly. But we can 
never marry, we should both be miserable. I should 
stifle in his narrow circle, and he would torment 
himself with the thought that I was deprived of a thou- 
sand things, which have become necessities to me. If 
I were free and in possession of the property I now 
purchase with my own person, I would choose him 
alone. But he would be too proud to consent. He 
once said : ‘You will enter my life, not I yours ; the man 
builds the house in which he lives, not the woman.’ 
But if the house is a little hut? Love, they say, trans- 
figures everything 1” She shook her head. “ Is it my 
fault that my soul cannot rise to this lofty flight? 
Wealth exerts a wondrous spell; whatever is touched by 
the golden staff is transformed from sober gray into a 
thousand gleaming hues. One can breathe so freely in 
spacious, elegantly adorned rooms ; it is so comfortable 
to travel through the world in first-class carriages ; one 
sweeps so joyously through fields and woods on a noble 


AT CAPRI. 


273 


steed. I need only cry, ‘ Open Sesame !’ and the 
splendors of the world will lie before me. If I should 
leave this wondrous country with the thought, that I 
could never return, or at least only after the lapse of 
years, I should carry with me a hopeless yearning. And 
if I were constantly compelled to repeat : ‘ you must not 
have that, your limited means forbid it’ — I should cease 
to be myself, grow old and cross, and my laugh would 
be hushed. When birds of paradise are stripped of their 
bright plumage, they are no more charming than an 
ugly crow. I may be terribly vain in cherishing such 
thoughts, and yet I allow them to influence my actions ! 
I shall lose Walter ; I feel he will never forgive me for 
not having had the courage to belong to him entirely or 
utterly renounce him !” 

She threw herself into the chair again, and wept and 
sobbed so passionately that the discreet Cdcile, who 
came in with the breakfast, closed the door again to give 
her mistress time to recover her composure. Andy rarely 
wept, but when her tears did flow, they gushed forth like 
a torrent and exerted the same soothing influence upon 
her soul that a deep sleep exercised on her body. 

At the end of an hour the bell rang again, and the 
maid entered with as unconscious a manner, as if she 
18 


274 


AT CAPRI. 


had not been standing just outside the door listening 
and sighing : “ My poor young mistress !” 

Andy was one of the few women, whom weeping 
does not disfigure, no matter how her tears burned, her 
eyes neither lost their lustre, grew red around the edges, 
nor became swollen. Her beauty was indestructible — 
perhaps because her feelings never took deep root in her 
heart. 

The only token by which the clever C^cile perceived 
that her mistress had had a severe struggle, was the 
latter’s silence, which formed a striking contrast to the 
lively conversation she usually maintained with the con- 
fidential servant. While the Frenchwoman was brushing 
the soft hair and rolling it into heavy curls, she said : 

“ A Monsieur Schulze, a painter I believe, came here 
to see madame, but I told him you were still asleep.” 

Herr Schulze? Oh! yes.” The shadow of a smile 
played around the small mouth. 

“ What did he want?” 

“ First to inquire how madame felt after yesterday 
evening — la soiree d'hier^ qiii ^tait superbd ' — she inter- 
posed. Mademoiselle C^cile had also seen the taran- 
tella, and been extremely flattered by the admiration 
bestowed upon her mistress. “ Then he said something 


AT CAPRI. 


275 


about a sitting — he doesn’t speak French very well — 
which madame had promised him — and he would expect 
madame in the course of the afternoon in his studio.” 

He wants to paint me.” 

“ Oh ! c'est autre chose ! madame will be too tired,” she 
added cautiously, “ I have already prepared the gentle- 
man for a refusal, by telling him that you might not feel 
well enough ta leave your room before dinner.” 

“ No, no, I will keep my word ; these gentlemen have 
spared neither time nor trouble for my amusement, and 
I can at least do them the trifling favor to let them re- 
produce my eyes, my nose, or some other portion of 
my face in a picture. And then tell me, Cecile, what 
am I to do, shut up within the four walls of this room ? 
One grows melancholy when one is alone !” 

“ That is true,” replied the maid thoughtfully, “ ma- 
dame has no amusements here, there are no shops where 
one can make purchases, and one can’t ride, since there 
are neither carriages nor horses on this queer island. ” 

“ I don’t think I shall remain here a month ; I did not 
suppose it would be so monotonous.” 

“ Madame would die of weariness,” replied Cecile, who 
had no taste for the beauties of nature. 

“ Oh ! no, ma bonne Cdcile, I have seen very little of 


276 


AT CAPRI, 


Capri. I have not yet been to Faraglioni or the Blue 
Grotto ; I shall let Giacinta row me around the whole 
island to-morrow.” 

If the storm subsides, or it would be dangerous ; ma- 
dame cannot hear it rage in this room.” 

“ A stormy passage would exactly suit me, I am not 
afraid and shall not be sea-sick.” 

Cdcile did not agree with her mistress in this respect, 
she was very timid and always paid the sea its tribute as 
soon as she entered a ship. 

“ I should like to know,” said Andy, “ what the 
strangers who live here do, when bad weather interrupts 
all intercourse with Sorrento and Naples for days.” 

” I believe, madame,” the maid ventured to remark ; 
that not many persons of distinction will remain here 
longer. Only artists and such people, who are obliged 
to work and can continue their occupations either in good 
or bad weather.” 

This was a clever remark on the part of the maid. 

“ Work !” repeated the young baroness, “ I might do 
something !” 

Madame has commenced a piece of embroidery, 
which I was ordered to pack — a screen with the family 
coat of arms.” 


AT CAPRI, 


277 


“ And afterwards I might make a lamp mat, by way 
of a change,” laughed Andy. “ How entertaining !” 

Cecile laughed too, she had kept about a dozen such 
pieces of work, on which her mistress had sewed very 
zealously for several days, and then never touched again. 
She knelt before her to button her little boots, while the 
young widow put the finishing touches to her toilette. 
To push back a curl or draw it lower over her forehead, 
fasten a flower or bow differently, raise the overskirt 
higher, or draw it back more closely — she alone pos- 
sessed the secret of these trifles, which gave her toilette 
the peculiar grace that distinguished it. 

His Excellency ordered me to inform him as soon 
as you were dressed.” 

“ Where is grandpapa ?” 

He took a long walk early this morning with one of 
the gentlemen, and is now with Madame la G^ndrale, 
who has passed a very bad night.” 

‘‘You need not tell him; I will go to him.” She cast 
a glance at the long mirror, which in Italy is such an 
indispensable article of household furniture that it is to 
be found in the homes of even the poorest families, and 
the vision that met her gaze might well have satisfied 
her. 


278 


AT CAPRI. 


CHAPTER XVI 

^ room occupied by the general’s wife was per- 

vaded by a dim light ; the old lady had had very 
little pleasure from the journey to Italy: almost always 
an invalid, she could not endure the slightest fatigue, 
and was obliged to deny herself every amusement. For- 
tunately she felt these deprivations very little. If she 
had a comfortable arm-chair and her companion a plea- 
sant voice for reading aloud, she asked nothing more, 
and allowed her husband and granddaughter to amuse 
themselves undisturbed. She was reclining in an arm- 
chair, and the general sat at the only window whose 
blinds were not closed ; he held in his hand the news- 
paper that had arrived by the last mail, and was telling 
his wife the most important items. 

This lady was not endowed with any superfluous 
warmth of feeling ; she loved her relatives sensibly,” 
as she expressed it, and had not been remarkably tender 
either as a wife or mother; while her increasing ill 
health had caused a diminution even in the originally 
small stock of affection. 


AT CAPRI. 


279 


When, after the death of her only son, the orphaned 
Andy came to her house, she had received the child that 
bore her name, and was already irresistibly charming, 
with all the love of which her nature was capable ; go- 
vernesses and masters were engaged, and dresses pre- 
pared after the latest fashion ; but she often sighed over 
the confusion the little one caused in her household. 
She had lived many years with her husband in undis- 
turbed comfort, and now, in her old age, was burdened 
with the care and responsibility of a child ! For her 
granddaughter’s sake, broken ties must be renewed ; she 
was obliged to return to society, open her house to 
young people, and moreover, Andy’s volatile, self-willed 
nature hourly overleaped the barriers imposed upon it, and 
disturbed the quiet of the household. The family expenses 
were also largely increased, and the general’s limited 
means made this increase sensibly felt. She had there- 
fore rejoiced when Baron Von Valmont offered himself 
to Andy, almost before she had entered society. Her 
future now seemed secured. Valmont’s health at that 
time gave no cause for serious apprehension ; he pos- 
sessed much good sense and firmness of character, and 
would know how to guide his young wife. The grand- 
mother was very well satisfied when Andy, with childish 


280 


AT CAPRI. 


carelessness, said it did not matter whom she married. 
Love before marriage was not necessary ; it would come 
afterwards. Madame Von Willberg had learned that in 
her own person ; she would have indignantly rejected 
the reproach that she had left the happiness of the child 
intrusted to her care entirely to chance. How the mar- 
riage, concluded with such astonishing indifference, after- 
wards resulted, she had never realized ; to be sure, she 
never made any great effort to search anything to its 
depths. 

It was a misfortune which it would have been wholly 
impossible to foresee, that Baron Von Valmont’s ill 
health soon assumed a very serious character; but he 
remained the same agreeable, polished man of the world, 
who understood the most subtle shades of conversation, 
and troubled no one with complaints. He generally 
granted his young wife an almost unlimited freedom, 
paid her bills without even making a wry face, indulged 
her most extravagant fancies, and was not jealous when 
young men thronged around her — in a word, he was a 
pattern husband. 

Andy had now and then made a remark which implied 
that she was dissatisfied with her condition, but she was 
naturally prone to exaggeration, and her grandmother 


AT CAPRI. 


281 


soothed herself with a “ It will all come out right.” One 
day, when the young wife rushed to her in the greatest 
agitation, and with floods of tears protested that she 
would never go back to her husband, with whom she 
had led a life of torment, the old lady gave her a most 
edifying discourse upon the^troubles of this world, which 
must be borne with dignity. The wise words exerted an 
admirable effect ; Andy ceased weeping, put on the hat 
she had tossed into a corner, and with lips compressed, 
answered: “You are right, grandmamma; there is no 
other happiness than to live as well and elegantly as 
possible — as I can do that, I am of course to be envied 
rather than pitied.” So saying, she disappeared as hastily 
as she had come, and her grandmother afterwards heard 
that she had driven around the city and purchased a 
quantity of costly trifles. 

This outburst of despair was not repeated, and her 
lips never again uttered a word of complaint. The old 
lady satisfied herself with the conjecture that the scene 
had resulted from some little dispute with the baron, an 
event by no means unusual between a married couple. 
Only when, at her husband’s death, Andy’s conduct was 
so singular, when she did not even shed the tears de- 
manded by decorum, and could scarcely be persuaded to 


282 


AT CAPRI. 


put on mourning, a faint suspicion dawned upon her 
that this marriage had been darkened by something more 
than mere trifling differences of opinion. But everything 
was over now, and she forbore asking questions that 
might have led to painful disclosures. 

The quiet of the Von Willberg household was dis- 
turbed a second time, when the young widow returned 
to her grandparents’ home. Fortunately there were no 
difficulties in regard to money-matters, for Andy had the 
disposal of a large portion of the income from the Val- 
mont property, and the increased expenses were defrayed 
by her alone. She had her own carriages and servants. 
Her grandmother, however, attached very little im- 
portance to these things, as her bodily health required 
nothing but rest and quiet. In spite of Andy’s entrea- 
ties, she would never have consented to the journey to 
Italy if the former had not won over the physician, who 
ordered the invalid to spend the winter in the South. 
The general was much more vigorous and active ; he 
enjoyed the changing scenes of the foreign country, and, 
although his interest in art was very slight, made no 
objection to occasionally spending a few hours in galle- 
ries or museums. The notice his beautiful grand- 
daughter always attracted flattered his vanity, and he was 


AT CAPRI. 


283 


at all times ready to be her escort. Andy’s quick intel- 
ligence and promptness in decision gave her a decided 
advantage over the kindly, but not remarkably brilliant 
old gentleman. 

With the philosophical : “She does what she chooses,” 
the grandparents patiently yielded to all Andy’s capri- 
cious ideas and fancies. 

As she now entered the room and kissed her grand- 
mother’s hand, — an outward token of respect which con- 
soled the old lady for her total want of authority — the 
general glanced over the top of his paper and hemmed 
significantly. He was dying with curiosity to hear 
certain news, but the elf had trained the brave soldier so 
well that he would not have ventured to interfere with 
her affairs of his own accord. Questions that did not 
please her were answered with a contemptuous curl of 
the lip, a half-astonished, half-angry contraction of the 
brows, which instantly reduced the bold interlocutor to 
silence. 

“ Thanks, my child, I am the same as usual. I feel 
no benefit from the strengthening sea breeze,” said the 
old lady. “ Did you enjoy yourself yesterday ? I should 
have liked to come into the hall for an hour if I had not 


284 


AT CAPRI, 


feared the light and dust would injure my eyes. Grand- 
papa was very enthusiastic on his return.” 

“ Yes, it was wonderful,” replied Andy, with sparkling 
eyes ; “ I never enjoyed dancing so much as with these 
island girls.” 

“ Shut the blinds ; grandpapa is not reading, and the 

light is too bright for me I think, to tell the truth, 

that it was not exactly proper for you to have joined the 
dance.” 

“ Everything is allowable in travelling.” 

“ I am not reproving you ; I have long ceased to do 
so. I am merely expressing my opinion — I do not think 
it proper.” 

“ I do.” 

“ Have you received a letter ?” cried the general, who 
could no longer control his impatience. 

“Yes,” replied Andy, laconically. 

“And?” 

“ It was from the count,” she said carelessly, drawing 
the gold chain of her watch through her fingers.” 

“ Have you decided ?” asked the old lady. 

“ I must, since the time named in the will is rapidly 
approaching.” 

“ Yes or no ?” 


AT CAPE I, 


285 


“Yes!” 

“ Thank God !” exclaimed the old lady in delight. 

“ This exclamation onl}r applies to the prospect of get- 
ting rid of me and all the annoyances that follow in my 
train,” said Andy, bitterly ; “ for my decision to marry, 
for mere worldly considerations, a man whom I neither 
love nor esteem, cannot possibly gratify you.” 

“You are unjust to the count. One of the hand- 
somest gentlemen in the capital, who at one time was 
not indifferent to you — I think it was very unselfish in 
Valmont to choose him for your husband.” 

“A piece of unselfishness about which I have my own 
opinion,” she answered gloomily. 

“ He is a brave officer,” said the general, taking up 
the song of praise; “an excellent rider and thorough 
judge of horse-flesh.” 

“ The latter would be important, if I owned a circus,” 
replied the young widow, haughtily. 

“ I only mean to say,” answered the old gentleman, 
good-naturedly, “ that he is quite a different person from 
that paralyzed Valmont — ^perhaps he has less intellect, 
but you have so much of that commodity yourself that 
it will be enough for him also. Why you assert that 
you do not esteem him, I can’t understand. I have 


286 


AT CAPRI. 


never heard anything derogatory to his character, or I 
would not persuade you to marry him.” 

“ He has a brutal nature, and would always love a 
woman as if she were a lorette, — and he drinks.” 

“ Nonsense !” cried the general, angrily ; because 
you once saw him a little excited at a wedding in the 
country, where, as is well known, the wine-bottles were 
not removed from the table for three days, you fancy he 
is a drunkard !” 

“ He inspired me at that time with a repugnance I 
have never conquered since.” 

“ Then I am surprised that you accepted the orna- 
ment he sent you from Paris a short time ago,” observed 
her grandmother, dryly. 

Andy blushed. “ I did not think of the giver when I 
received it. It would have been very ceremonious to 
have returned ” 

“And you were so much pleased with it. Besides, the 
count had a right to send the gift, since for two years 
you have been the same as betrothed to him. You have 
had time to become accustomed to the relation ” 

“ I have taken the greatest trouble to ignore it,” cried 
Andy, vehemently; “ I wanted to enjoy my freedom for 
these two years without any unpleasant reminiscences — 


AT GAFRI. 


287 


And I have succeeded,” she added in a lower tone ; “ I 
had so entirely forgotten the period when I must make 
my decision, that the count’s letter first recalled it to my 
mind.” 

“ Reconcile yourself to the inevitable, and it will not 
seem so unpleasant. You have not seen Malte for 
several years; he has undoubtedly improved. As he 
has been assigned as military attachd to the legation at 
Paris, his manners, which even in former days did not 
lack polish, have doubtless improved.” 

“ I have no doubt he has improved in his mode of con- 
ducting flirtations.” 

“You need not reproach him for that; you have 
accepted the attentions of others, and did not feel bound 
by any ties. Where is the count now ?” 

“ I don’t know ; the letter is dated at Geneva, and must 
have been detained on the way,” 

“ Then he will soon follow it.” 

“ No,” cried Andy, impetuously ; “ I will not allow 
that! I would go away at once with Cdcile. I can’t 
meet him here !” Her voice trembled. 

“ How can people be so undecided !” said the old lady, 
disapprovingly; “you were at liberty to choose some 


288 


AT CAPE I, 


one else. Sir Francis offered you his hand; why did 
you refuse him ?” 

Because I did not love him, and cannot bear English- 
men.” 

“ You make exaggerated, romantic demands upon 
men ; there are few who find favor in your eyes. Pro- 
fessor Erichsen is the only one who has succeeded in 
interesting you, and even that is mere caprice, for 
hitherto you have avoided rather than sought the society 
of learned men. If it had not been utterly impossible 
to consider him a suitor, the remarkable favor you have 
shown him would already have given rise to gossip. 
You were inseparable in Rome.” 

“A perfectly safe friendship,” observed the sharp- 
sighted general. “Andy is only amused by his conver- 
sation, and he thinks of nothing but his studies.” 

“Your apology is unnecessary,” Andy interrupted, 
with glowing cheeks ; “ the professor is far superior to 
all the gentlemen who call themselves my admirers, and 
under the aegis of this title bore me to death.” 

“ He. certainly possesses plenty of intellect,” replied 
the old lady, with the immovable composure that she 
always opposed to her granddaughter’s vivacity ; “ it is 
his profession to be intelligent, but that is no sufficient 


AT CAPRI. 


289 


basis for a livelihood, to say nothing of the fact, that as 
his wife you would be obliged to leave the society in 
which, though you often laugh at it, you best like to move. 
Birds of a feather flock together, is a good old saying, 
which we cannot too carefully heed. Valmont habit- 
uated you to extravagance ; you do not know what it is 
to save. If you refuse the count, you can only wed a 
very rich man, as you have no property of your own; 
so it would still be a marriage of convenience.” 

“ I have duly considered all this,” replied Andy im- 
patiently ; if I were not driven to this step by absolute 
necessity, if I could have discovered any means of escape, 
I should have said No long ago.” 

“ You lift a burden from my heart, little one,” said the 
old general, who was fondly attached to his charming 
granddaughter ; “ only yesterday evening I was anxiously 
thinking what would become of you, if I should die and 
you and grandmamma were obliged to live on her widow’s 
pension and the trifling income from my small property. 
Ah ! child, if nature ever destined any one for a prin- 
cess, it was you ; I can’t imagine you in any other situa- 
tion than that of rolling through life in your own car* 
riage.” 

“ It shall be done !” she exclaimed, suddenly bursting 
19 


290 


AT CAPRI, 


into a merry laugh and throwing both arms around her 
grandfather’s neck ; “ as soon as we return to the capital, 
I’ll have a high gig built with only one seat for me and 
one for the groom behind ; two Arabian horses are already 
purchased, and I’ll drive myself.” 

“ Probably in order to upset the vehicle and break 
your neck,” observed the general’s wife. 

“We are always in danger of losing our lives by an 
accident,” replied the young widow carelessly. 

“ Have you answered the count ?” 

“ No, I don’t know his address, as he must have left 
Geneva. Besides, it would be unnecessary ; as I should 
not delay in writing a refusal, he will not despair, and 
the Yes always comes soon enough.” 

“ The uncertainty will torture him — you have no 
heart — at least not for those who ought to be nearest to 
you.” 

“ You may be right, grandmamma — why was not that 
organ more carefully developed? A few days of dis- 
comfort won’t hurt the count. I too am” not on a bed 
of roses !” 

She bit her under lip and pressed both hands upon her 
temples, then sprang lightly to her feet. “ I must go 
to Herr Schulze’s studio, he asked me to sit to him for 


AT CAPRI, 


291 


a picture he is going to paint for the great exhibition, 
and for which he needs a model with red hair and green 
eyes. As I have both — ” She made a curtsey to her 
mirror — she well knew the alluring power of the “ red 
hair and green eyes.” 

^‘You are old enough ” 

“ Twenty-seven,” she interposed. 

“ To need no control, but I must not conceal from you 
that I do not approve of this plan.” 

“The portrait, which was painted of me four years 
ago, hung in the exhibition for several months.” 

“ That was a very different matter. The Baroness 
Von Valmont’s portrait, with her husband’s consent, was 
placed in a hall with the pictures of the royal family. 
Here the point in question is some ideal subject, to which 
you lend your features.” 

“ A mermaid !” 

“ Andy, I don’t understand you — in such a costume !” 

“ I believe there is no costume at all,” cried the wilful 
imp ; “ at the utmost, a garland of reeds in the hair and 
a pearl bracelet around the arm. How comical it will 
be, when acquaintances, passing through the exhibition, 
pause and exclaim, ‘ ’Pon honor, the Baroness Valmont, 
feature for feature !’ Others will reply, ‘ The likeness’ — 


292 


AT CAPRI. 


people never agree on that — ‘is not so striking; it is 
merely in the color of the hair.’ — ‘ No, those are her eyes ; 
that is her profile !’ — ‘ Excuse me, how is that possible ? 
she has a totally different nose !’ And so the dispute 
will continue. I am only sorry I cannot be there to 
hear it.” 

“You are incorrigible. I hope you won’t go to this 
Herr Schulze alone.” 

“ Heaven forbid ! I always observe the proprieties. I 
asked Fraulein Stbsser to accompany me.” She glided 
out of the room, and then paused a moment to pass her 
handkerchief across her eyes. “ For shame, Andy ; you 
have shed your tears, now submit. Time dulls the 
sharpest sorrow ; we need only wait. To-day, to-morrow 
and many more days, I can see Walter and enjoy his 
society in the old way. Why shoujd I confess what 
would separate him from me ? I will put a rose in his 
room ; it will tell him I have thought of him, longed for 
him — my dear, dear Walter!” And the strange little 
creature forced back the rising tears, that burned hotly 
in her eyes. 


AT CAPRI. 


293 


CHAPTER XVII. 

^j^^ILLIAM SCHULZE was wandering from one 
end of the studio to the other in great excite- 
ment, trying to “clear up,” a proceeding his friends 
accompanied with sarcastic remarks. 

“A bootjack!” he indignantly exclaimed, holding the 
article directly under Endymion’s nose. 

“ Throw it into the bed-room with the other things,” 
replied the latter, without interrupting his work. 

“And here is a toothbrush,” said Schulze; “and more- 
over one that shows traces of long use! The sense 
of order and decency is very highly developed in you ; 
when we expect lady-visitors, the studio ought not to 
resemble an Augean stable. You have missed the en- 
nobling influence of feminine society in your youth, the 
only time when man is capable of education.” 

“ I don’t suffer from weak nerves, William,” replied 
Uncle Brasig, “ or I might suddenly fall from my chair 
in a fainting fit. The atmosphere you have made by 
sprinkling Cologne and other perfumes around the room, 


294 


AT CAPRI, 


is perfectly horrible. I would advise you to use vinegar 
and camphor, that every odor may be represented.” 

Do you suppose I will expose the baroness to the 
smell of your tobacco ?” 

“ Well, I’m sure the odors I smell might make any 
one ill.” 

“ Shall I open the window ?” 

I protest against it,” cried Endymion, energetically ; 
“ I am sitting next it and can’t bear a draught.” 

“ I rely upon you, my young friend, to take charge 
of Fraulein Stosser.” 

“ I have no intention of doing any such thing.” 

“ Where is your practical nature ? Even the most 
insignificant pen may become a power now-a-days. Let 
us suppose that she writes an article about one of your 
moonlight pictures, only one ; it will be reprinted in 
various papers ; yoQr portrait will appear in an illustrated 
journal, accompanied by a biographical sketch, which 
will record several touching incidents of your childhood ; 
how, for instance, even when in your mother’s arms, you 
stretched your little hands longingly towards the moon, 
and similar things. The consequence would be that the 
English and Americans would say ‘ he must be a famous 
man, for his portrait is in the papers !’ They would 


AT CAPRI, 


295 


besiege your studio and pay fabulous sums for the first 
quarter, as well as the half and full moon.” 

The object of Schulze’s raillery silently shrugged his 
shoulders. 

Pietro, the hard-worked cameriere, suddenly threw the 
door open and announced the ladies, who were received 
with great courtesy. William Schulze exhausted him- 
self in expressions of gratitude to the baroness for 
having deigned to grant his request. 

And you too, honored Fraulein,” he continued, turn- 
ing to Camilla Stosser, are a most welcome guest ; yes- 
terday, unfortunately, circumstances — imperious circum- 
stances — forbade me to invite you to enter.” 

I am reproaching myself for having disturbed this 
young lady in the midst of a literary inspiration,” said 
Andy mischievously ; but she was kind enough to for- 
give the interruption.” 

Schulze turned to the baroness. Before I condemn 
you to the torture of sitting still, madame, I should like 
to escort you around our workshop, that you may make 
the acquaintance of your devoted slaves in their artistic 
characters. Permit me to begin with my fair-haired 
friend, who has nearly completed the picture on his 
easel — a sketch of the Campagna, an arch of the ruined 


296 


AT CAPRI. 


aqueduct by moonlight. Notice, if you please, the won- 
derfully delicate and transparent treatment of the atmo- 
sphere, the poetical, sentimental tone that pervades the 
whole scene. But beware of drawing the inference that 
he has a poetic nature; he is thoroughly prosaic and 
practical; it is only his brush that inclines towards 
enthusiasm — a perplexing dualism in this artist-soul. 
Within a .short time love seems to have stirred in his 
heart ; he is often absorbed in his own thoughts — reads 
Geibel. In a word, something occupies his mind.” He 
cast a significant glance at Fraulein Stdsser, and the 
worthy lady did him the favor to blush. 

“ My friend from Mecklenburg is the exact opposite of 
Endymion. One is slender; the other stout! Uncle 
Brasig, who, as an artist, pays homage to a stern, harsh 
realism — look at the exquisite group, the little girl and 
the old grandmother roasting chestnuts. Uncle Brasig, 
as a man, possesses a tenderness and warmth of feeling 
usually peculiar to women. When he heard the notes 
of the harmonica, at the Christmas festival given by the 

artists in Rome, tears of emotion rolled down his cheeks ; 

/ 

he squanders large sums to secretly procure articles of 
food that remind him of his childhood ; spoiled roast geese 
and hard marchpane cost him a large annual sum. If 


AT CAPRI. 


297 


any countrywoman, who speaks pure low German, should 
be left here a widow or orphan, I am confident he would 
marry her out of sympathy.” 

“ After giving such admirable descriptions of our 
characters, we are curious to hear how you will sketch 
yourself,” said Uncle Brasig. “At any rate, we will be 
ready to correct, if you put on the colors too lightly.” 

“ Have no fear ; you won’t be called upon to help. 1. 
madame, am from head to foot a true son of our modern 
times, hating everything vague and old, and loving even 
the excrescences of our present society.” 

“ With a strong predilection for caf§s chantants, sub- 
urban theatres and public masquerades,” interposed 
Uncle Brasig. 

“ I have devoted myself to the world of fairy tales and 
legends. I paint elves, mermaids and sleeping beauties 
with eagerness and success, and often laugh at the 
thought of the contrast between my work and my char- 
acter. Young ladies, who see my pictures, usually 
imagine me a pious German youth with long waving hair 
and a Byron collar, a Fridolin, kneeling at his mistress’s 
feet. I can’t help it. There, madame, now you have a 
description of our characters, and we can set to work. 
May I ask ?” 


298 


AT CAPRI, 


Andy sat down, and as Schulze modestly expressed 
his wishes, drew out the comb that confined her hair, 
which instantly fell around her like a glittering cloak. 

Mephistopheles was a totally different person when at 
work ; his keen intellect, which manifested itself in con- 
stant witticisms, did not correspond with the slow, 
cautious strokes, each one of which was made with the 
utmost care and deliberation. 

“You have very singular eyes, madame,” he said, 
bending forward and gazing intently at the sparkling 
orbs, somewhat as a jeweller examines a precious' stone ; 
“they possess the capacity of reflecting, every feeling, 
every emotion, without needing any increased agitation 
of the soul — it is like the flashing of the diamond. Yet 
I would declare that you could not look vacant or 
indifferent : you are not to blame for the wonderful 
power of your eyes.” 

“That must be true,” replied the young widow; “for 
I remember that when a child people often said : ‘ What 
eyes you are making!’ when I was merely looking 
quietly before me.” 

Fraulein Stosser had timidly asked Endymion, whether 
she might watch him while he painted ; it always inter- 
ested her to see the process of creating anything. 


AT CAPRI, 


299 


Whether Schulze’s careless remark about the power of a 
woman’s pen had produced an impression on the practi- 
cal mind of the fair-haired artist, or whether Camilla’s 
enthusiastic admiration of his talent flattered him, I know 
not ; but he behaved far more politely and cordially than 
usual, and even started up to move her chair close 
beside his easel. 

Nothing more touchingly expresses the strength of a 
woman’s love, than her total loss of judgment where the 
object of her affection is concerned. Fraulein Stosser 
had often come in contact with talented artists, and the 
society of Gertrude, with whom she had wandered 
through the galleries of Rome, had trained her eye ; she 
w^as capable of distinguishing really good pictures from 
those whose merit was mediocre. 

If the artist had not been Endymion, for whom her 
heart throbbed with a tender feeling, she would un- 
doubtedly have perceived that the picture was marred 
by mannerism, and his skill was only sufficient to con- 
ceal its faults by certain striking effects. “ Pictures 
painted to sell to strangers,” she would have expressed 
it. But she did not notice the defects ; she was honestly 
delighted, and gave utterance to this delight in words. 
Endymion had not yet found such faith anywhere — 


800 


AT CAPRI, 


Schulze and Uncle Brasig thought it a friendly duty to 
jeer at him pitilessly — this enthusiastic appreciation 
pleased him ; the conversation which at first had been 
conducted in loud tones, gradually sank to whispers, a 
fact to which William Schulze, by droll grimaces and 
signs, did not fail to call the baroness’s attention. 

Uncle Brasig glanced at the two couples and muttered : 
“ I am the only one who is alone, all alone — and I am 
perfectly satisfied. ” Fate seemed to wish to alleviate 
this solitude ; for Gertrude, after tapping lightly at the 
door, appeared on the threshold. 

“ This is the first time our studio has been so hon- 
ored,” said Schulze ; “ you have hitherto disdained to visit 
your colleagues.” 

The artist had fortunately laid aside her ugly straw 
hat, her face was somewhat flushed by the long walk, 
and the heightened color was very becoming to the pale 
brunette. 

“ I have a request to make,” she said, greeting the 
party with a slight bend of the head. 

“ It is granted already !” declaimed Schulze. 

“ You need not always speak for us, MepFistopheles,” 
replied Uncle Brasig angrily. 


AT CAPRI. 


301 


I want to stretch a new canvas, and have no small 
nails.” 

“ All you desire are at your disposal,” exclaimed the 
corpulent Uncle Brasig, rushing into the next room 
with wonderful agility. 

“ Where have you been ?” asked Camilla ; I went to 
your door in vain.” 

“ I have been making landscape studies to-day.” 

“ Where ?” asked Andy turning towards her. 

“ On the Punta di Mitromania,” Gertrude hesitatingly 
replied. 

“ Professor Erichsen’s jealously guarded study !” 
laughed the baroness. “ So you have had a t^te-^-t^te — 
how dangerous !” 

“ I do not think I am one of the ladies who are dan- 
gerous to the Herr Professor,” Gertrude answered 
proudly ; “ we both worked busily and took very little 
notice of each other.” 

“ And where is he ? Did he not return to the albergo 
with you ?” asked Andy, who took a malicious pleasure 
in irritating the grave, calm girl. 

“ I left betore Herr Erichsen ; he was going down to 
the Marina.” 

How ungallant of him to let you return alone !” 


302 


AT CAPRI. 


I desire no gallantry from gentlemen, madame ; I ask 
only respect.” 

“ The latter does not preclude the former,” said Andy 
smiling ; “you must not take it so seriously.” 

She rose and declared that she was tired. William 
Schulze thought he would only require two sittings at 
the utmost, as the picture was not to be a portrait, and 
the point in question was only a few characteristic details, 
which he could finish in the model’s absence. 

Meantime Uncle Brasig had brought Gertrude the 
nails, and eagerly offered to stretch the canvas. She 
thanked him, but declined his assistance; and after hastily 
glancing at the artists’ work and making a few clever 
and cautious remarks, left the room, followed in a few 
moments by Andy and Fraulein Stosser. Schulze paced 
up and down the studio, rubbing his hands, which with 
him was always a sign of secret satisfaction. 

“ It works, it works,” he whispered to the worthy 
Uncle Brasig, when Endymion had left the room. 

“What?” 

“They will be betrothed, the authoress and he, of 
whom she dreams.” , 

“You are dreaming yourself!” 

“ No, no ! There is nothing easier than to bring two 
vain people together. One need only inspire them with 


AT CAPRI. 


803 


the conviction that each has the highest opinion of the 
other, and the thing gradually takes care of itself” 

“ Then you have accomplished a fine piece of work. 
Have you no conscience?” 

“ My dear fellow, I believe I shall secure the happi- 
ness of both — she has property, and at the utmost is only 
a few years older than he ; she will adore him v/ith the 
boundless gratitude of an old maid who has found a 
husband at the eleventh hour. He will love her like a 
pacha, and become a comfortable, tolerably egotistical 
married man and master of the house. I’ll wager that 
I give them my blessing before I leave Capri.” 

If you are so successful in matchmaking, suppose 
you take charge of mine too. Tell Fraulein Gertrude 
what a deep respect I feel for her ; perhaps she would be 
touched by it.” 

wanted to ask the same service of you. Uncle 
Brasig,” grinned Mephistopheles ; we both have most 
sensible tastes. I could be madly in love with the ba- 
roness with the nixie eyes, but I would marry only the 
quiet one. It would be very charming to watch her 
grave face gradually brighten. Besides, we have very 
little chance, my dear friend ; she can’t endure me, and 
is utterly indifferent to you. We will mutually save each 
other from suicidal fancies.” 


304 


AT CAPEL 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

^OON after Gertrude had left the Punta, Walter also 
set out on his way home. He hoped Andy would 
meet him, since this would have afforded the best possi- 
ble opportunity for him to see the wilful sprite alone and 
compel her to give him a decisive answer. When he 
reached the spot where he had discovered the white 
figure the day before, he found it empty, — so she had not 
waited for him. Somewhat disappointed, he leaned over 
the low wall and gazed down the winding path ; perhaps 
she might come still ! He could see nothing except a 
donkey laden with luggage, which two brown-faced girls 
were urging onward with blows and encouraging words, 
and at some distance a gentleman, who was wearily 
climbing the steep ascent. Walter looked more intently 
— was it not Von Linden? Yes, as the stranger paused 
and removed his hat to wipe the perspiration from his 
brow, he recognised him. Not with pleasure ! The 
worthy man had never done him any injury, but he 


AT CAPRI, 


305 


would not leave Andy’s side ; he belonged to a world 
from which Erichsen wished to tear her ; he undoubtedly 
brought any quantity of news, and would fill her little 
head with empty gossip, which was none the more valu- 
able because the names had an aristocratic sound. 

Herr Von Linden, whose eyes were roving inquiringly 
around, perceived the figure leaning over the wall, sprang 
forward, and waved his handkerchief. 

“ Professor, some lucky star brings me to you. Wait 
a moment ; I’ll be with you directly.” 

And he toiled with fresh energy after the donkey, 
which had already obtained a considerable start. Walter 
could not help pretending to be very much pleased at the 
encounter; they shook hands warmly, and Von Linden 
clung to his friend’s arm. 

How did you get here?” asked Erichsen; ‘‘the 
steamer only arrives at noon.” 

“ From Massa, in a boat,” was the melancholy reply ; 
“ and such a passage ! I am cured for life of all desire 
to be tossed about in a skiff! The waves played foot- 
ball with us ; now we were on one side, now the other, 
now up, now down. And, unluckily, I am easily made 
sea-sick. If I had not taken a bottle of old cognac with 
me, I should have given up the ghost.” 

20 


306 


AT CAPRI. 


“ Why did you choose such a means of transit in 
stormy weather ?” • 

“ A poetic fancy, my dear fellow, which between our- 
selves must always be paid for. When I set out, there 
was merely a strong breeze blowing, the color of the sea 
was very bright, and I anticipated a delightful passage. 
Thank God ! I have firm ground under my feet once 
more ! Besides, I was obliged to protect the bar- 
oness’s property from the waves : a very small portion 
of the luggage you see yonder belongs to me. I am 
bringing the band-boxes and packages left behind 
in Naples. Are the Von Willbergs at the Albergo 
Nationale ?” 

Walter gave an affirmative answer. 

“And how is the Baroness Von Valmont ? As 
charming as ever ?” 

“ As ever.” 

“ The count is an enviable man to possess such a wife. 
You will probably soon make his acquaintance, as he 
will not remain long in Rome — his impatience is very 
natural.” 

“ Of whom do you speak ?” 

“ Of Count Malte P., the betrothed husband of the 
baroness.” 


AT CAPRI, 


307 


“ Baroness Von Valmont ?” Walter paused and gazed 
at Von Linden incredulously. 

“ Certainly ! The little siren has deceived and played 
hide and seek with us all ; she has been engaged a long 
time. I would not tell any one else a word of this 
secret, which I only learned by accident, since she her- 
self maintains the most obstinate silence ; but you are a 
dear friend ” 

“A dear friend,” repeated Erichsen mechanically. 
Every drop of blood receded to his heart, and the words 
he uttered seemed to suffocate him — now he knew that 
he had loved her unspeakably. 

“The matter is not yet perfectly clear to me ; at all 
events the baroness seems to yield to the force of cir- 
cumstances, rather than act according to her own will. 
She is too clever not to submit ; bewitching as she is, 
she would not easily find a suitable match. Even our 
wealthiest young men are compelled to choose women 
of property, because the expenses of living are daily 
increasing, and no one wants to economize. The bar- 
oness clearly perceives that among the throng of her 
admirers, the number of suitors is but small. The 
wealthy Englishman, Sir Francis, offered himself to her 


308 


AT CAPRI, 


in Rome, but she refused him because she says she 
should die of ennui in England ” 

“ But the count, whom you just mentioned ?” Walter 
impatiently interrupted. 

“ Listen, and you shall hear what I was told by a 
friend in Naples. The late Baron Von Valmont stated 
in his will, that if, after the expiration of two years, his 
widow did not marry his cousin. Count Malte P., the 
whole property was to revert to another branch of the 
family; if she fulfilled his wish, it should remain in 
her exclusive possession and at her free disposal. I call 
that putting a pistol at her breast! Yet Von Valmont 
was actuated by generous motives, and I am secretly 
inclined to beg his pardon for having considered him a 
heartless egotist. Some years ago the baroness evi- 
dently favored the count, and^ there were rumors of an 
ardent affection between them,; but on the young offi- 
cer’s removal to another garrison the report died away, 
and the baroness seemed to feel no sorrow at - the 
separation. Her husband, however, must have been 
convinced that her interest in the handsome cavalier had 
not died out, since he selected him for his successor. 
I think it was a very pretty attention on his part. But 
who would have expected such secrecy from the impetu- 


AT CAPRI, 


309 


ous little creature ! She never betrayed it by a look, a 
word ; no one suspected that she was betrothed. She 
wanted to thoroughly enjoy the freedom of widowhood, 
before she again allowed herself to be bound.” 

“ Do you know the count?” 

“Very slightly. I remember him as a remarkably 
handsome man, who looked like a Greek god on horse- 
back, of whom various piquante adventures with actresses 
W'ere told, and who incurred a great many debts. He is 
said to be madly in love with his charming betrothed, 
and humbly submits to all the capricious conditions she 
dictates. For instance, up to this time, she has never 
permitted him to approach her ; for two long years the 
poor fellow has been obliged to content himself with 
admiring her picture. The wedding is to take place 
quietly at the end of six weeks ; they are to be married 
somewhere away from home, and not return to the capital 
until the winter. We shall probably often meet at their 
house, Herr Professor ; last winter the Von Willbergs 
gave little dinners every week, to which only their most 
intimate acquaintances were invited, and where the dishes 
were as exquisite as the conversation was animated.” 

Walter did not seem to be particularly overjoyed at 
the thought of the prospective pleasure, and answered 


310 


AT CAPRI. 


coldly that his profession gave him little time to devote 
to amusement. 

“ How does the baroness like this place?” 

“ I believe she is very well pleased.” 

“A singular fancy, to want to spend a whole month at 
Capri — if she stays a week, it will be a long time. She 
suddenly grew weary of the gayety in Rome, made im- 
pertinent speeches to her most faithful admirers, declared 
she longed for rest and solitude, and one fine day disap- 
peared. Don’t be surprised if she vanishes from here 
just as suddenly.” 

“ I am sufficiently well acquainted with the baroness 
to be always prepared for any surprise,” replied the 
other, breaking off a branch of laurel that hung over the 
wall. 

“And how go matters with you? Are you already 
thinking of returning home ?” 

“ Not yet ; my leave of absence extends to the last 
of June.” 

“ And do you intend to remain on this rock until 
then ? It is beautiful, but must be terribly monoto- 
nous.” 

“ My stay here is drawing to a close ; I shall leave 
in a few days.” 


AT CAPRI. 


311 


“ The little baroness will be terribly disappointed when 
she hears of this resolution. Where are you going ?” 

“ Perhaps to Ischia, which I have not yet seen, or to 
one of the little towns among the mountains.” 

“ Indeed ! I should like to accompany you, but I 
half promised the Von Willbergs to escort them to the 
other side of the Alps. Besides, I want to witness the 
first meeting between the baroness and her future hus- 
band. I am anxious to see how she who scoffs at all 
feeling will accommodate herself to the new relation.” 

Meantime the gentlemen had reached the albergo, 
v/here willing hands had already relieved the donkey 
of his burdem Andy was leaning out of a window on 
the second story. 

“ How do you do, Herr Von Linden ? You are 
welcome.” 

The little man bowed, laid his hand on his heart, and 
burst into voluble greetings. 

“ How lovely she looks !” he whispered to the pro- 
fessor, who had removed his hat and fixed a cold, search- 
ing glance on the lady ; “ that complexion, that hair !” 

“ So you have been sea-sick,” laughed the elf “ Don’t 
ask me to pity you for the misfortune. Sea-sickness is 
ridiculous. Did you bring my band-boxes with you ?” 


312 


AT CAPRI. 


“I defended them from the sea-water with my own 
body.” 

“ I hope you didn’t crush the lids ; a mat would have 
been more practical.” 

“ Ingratitude, too !” declaimed Von Linden. 

“ The world’s reward, as you know ! Come upstairs ; 
C^cile will give you a cup of coffee, prepared by her own 
hands. Bring the silent professor, too ; he apparently 
needs some refreshment. I shall expect you, gentle- 
men ! ” 

She waved her white hand, cast a searching glance at 
Walter, and retreated from the window. 

Von Linden went to his own room to rearrange his 
dress, which had been somewhat disordered by the pas- 
sage ; he told Erichsen that he would call for him to go 
to the Von Willbergs, to which the latter answered with 
a nod. When, on knocking at his door, he received no 
reply, he supposed that his friend had grown tired 
of waiting, and he should find him upstairs. 


AT CAPRI. 


313 


CHAPTER XIX. 

ALTER had stepped out upon the loggia, and 
was pacing restlessly up and down with folded 
arms. . . How could she have so deceived him, and 
carried on the game up to the last moment ! The more 
he thought of it, the more mysterious the little creature 
seemed ! There was some demoniacal power in her 
nature, which constantly urged her on to destruction. 
She who for years had suffered under the curse of an 
unhappy marriage, was about to submit to the same fate 
a second time, merely because she could not dispense 
with external splendor. There was not such another 
mortal on earth ! If this had been her whole character — 
but there were hours when a sudden longing for better 
things stirred within her, and she felt the loneliness 
of her existence with horror. . . Count Malte — her dead 
husband’s cousin — he could be no other than the man 
of whom she had told him, for whom she felt such a 
deep, invincible repugnance. “ The handsome groom !” 
as she contemptuously called him. There were contra- 


314 


AT CAPRI. 


dictions in her character which he could not understand. 
He would fain have hated her for having so wantonly- 
crossed his path, but he could not do it. It was the 
nobler portion of her nature which had drawn her 
towards him ; she was to be pitied rather than con- 
demned. . . This roguish Puck, this faithless little nixie ! 
How long it would be ere he could forget the sweet 
dream she had woven around him ! He leaned on the 
balustrade of the loggia and gazed at the fiery sunset, 
which crimsoned the rocky cliffs. And when, in future 
years, he thought of this favored land, where heaven 
itself seemed to have descended upon the earth, the 
alluring figure with the mysterious eyes would ever arise 
before him — in the Pitti Palace, where she shook back 
the golden hair stolen from the pictures of Titian’s 
women — on the silent Campagna, where she came flit- 
ting towards him like a dragon-fly — and at Capri, where 
she sat on the giddy height, with her little feet coquet- 
tishly crossed and a thoughtful expression on her mobile 
features, — no, it would be vain to try to banish these 
memories. 

“ Walter !” The tone was so pleading ! Could it be- 
long to the same voice that laughed so mockingly? 

He turned. There she stood before him, her charm- 


AT CAPRL 


315 


ing face pale and sad, her arms hanging by her side, her 
eyes fixed with a timid, beseeching expression upon 
his face. 

“ I know you have learned from Von Linden what I 
wished to spare you. Do not condemn without having 
heard me.” 

He leaned against the pillar without taking a step 
towards her. She did not seem to dare to advance. 

“ What was the necessity of the deception, the false- 
hood, Andy?” he said, after a pause, while her long 
lashes were still cast down. “ Could you not honestly 
confess that you were too weak, too cowardly, to descend 
to an humbler sphere of life ?” 

Then you would have left me, ceased to love me, and 
I could not bear it !” 

What have you gained ?” he eagerly exclaimed. 
“ Must we not still part? You, the betrothed bride of 
another ” 

“ Do not call me that,” she answered, with sudden 
passion. “ I became so only by compulsion. Do you 
remember my telling you that Valmont took a cruel 
revenge for a thoughtless remark ? He desired, even 
after his death, to make sure that I should not compensate 
myself too fully for the tortures I had endured ; his hard 


316 


AT CAPRI, 


cold hand stretched from the grave a wall between me 
and happiness. I might have found it easier to enter 
into an alliance with a stranger. Good heavens ! I have 
been taught to look upon marriage as something un- 
avoidable, in which the principal point was a harmony 
in external circumstances. Valmont, however, has 
chosen the very person to whom I can never be recon- 
ciled, because he reminds me of a humiliation I have not 
yet forgotten — a man beside whom my soul must pine, 
if it does not cherish in its depths a treasure from which 
it can draw sustenance. The two years Valmont gra- 
ciously accorded me as a reprieve, seemed to me an 
eternity. What might not happen in that time! The 
count or I might die. Why should I trouble myself 
about the future? The executor of the will sent the 
count a copy of the paragraph relating to him and my- 
self He was of course not disposed to relinquish a 
claim that threw a fortune into his lap. He declared 
that he still loved me to idolatry” — she shrugged her 
shoulders contemptuously — “ and promised to yield to the 
conditions I imposed. I begged him to spare me his 
presence, and not trouble me with letters. Writing is 
not his favorite occupation” — a smile flitted over the 
little mouth — “ so this request met with no opposition. 


AT CAPRI. 


317 


I always understood how to submit to a fait accompli. 
When I looked around the circle of my acquaintances, 
I found that in the end it was just the same whether 
people married with or without love ; the result in both 
cases was courteous indifference or cold friendship. The 
husbands, who were loved with passionate devotion, be- 
came tyrants ; the wives adored by their husbands ego- 
tists. As a general thing, human nature does not seem 
able to endure kind treatment for any length of time. 
No brilliant testimonial of its real quality ! I should 
have liked best of all to remain free — a very natural 
desire with my love of independence and the experiences 
of my first marriage ! Since that could not be, I must 
try to make the best of my position. With the count, 
I need not pretend that my acts are governed by the 
shadow of affection. Interest, commonplace interest 
unites us, and I shall be spared any farther explanations. 
We shall marry with the intention of interfering with 
each other as little as possible ; although I bear his name 
and live under his roof, there will never be any bond be- 
tween us.” 

“ But this is madness !” cried Walter, looking at the 
elfin figure with the childish face. “ Such a condition of 
affairs is impossible ! Do you really suppose that the 


318 


AT CAPRI. 


count will not know how to assert his rights as soon as 
he is your husband ?” 

“He will not!” she answered, with flashing eyes. 
“ I have his word of honor. But let us say nothing 
about it. You have now learned that I consider this 
union as something purely external — a form that does 
not touch my inner life. My heart is free. I can give 
it to whom I please. Are you angry with me because 
I have lost it to you ? When I first saw you in Flor- 
ence, the earnest gravity of your features almost irritated 
me to try to shake that calm self-control. ‘ I will not 
allow myself to be played with,’ was written on your 
brow.” She smilingly raised her eyes to his. “A pass- 
ing caprice, I fancied, attracted me towards you. I was 
no longer a child, and had had many experiences, so 
much attention had been paid to me. Why should I not, 
by way of a change, make the first advances ? If you 
choose, it was coquetry, the wish to discover whether 
you, too, like the rest, would, after a short resistance, be 
forced to lay down your arms before my small person. 
I was mistaken in you, or rather, I underestimated you ; 
you gave love little power over you. I could not dis- 
cover how deep an impression I had produced. I always 
occupied the second place in your estimation ; this vexed 


AT CAPRI. 


319 


me, made me sad, and I discovered that you had become 
dearer to me than any one had ever been. That is why 
I followed you to Rome, and was not happy until I found 
you on the Campagna, at the Casale Rotondo. Do you 
remember?” She played with her curls, and cast a glance 
of passionate love from beneath her long lashes. “ Was 
I to tell you that my hand was not free, when I was not 
even sure you loved me? What a resolute expression 
rested upon your lips, and how impenetrable were your 
features ! I felt as if I were no more than a beautiful 
flower, a brilliant butterfly. You thought me charming, 
and when you went home, no longer remembered 
me ” 

He shook his head. “You are mistaken, Andy; I 
loved you very fondly. Did I not prove it when 1 asked 
you to share my fate ?” 

Her face grew scarlet with blushes. “ Oh ! that was 
in a moment of intoxication ; we had both lost our 
senses.” 

“ Why did you come here, if you had firmly resolved 
not to be my wife ?” 

“ Why ? A singular question ! To see you, to speak 
to you, to breathe the same air with you 1” she passion- 
ately exclaimed. 


320 


AT CAPRI. 


“And if chance had not thrown Herr Von Linden 
in my way, my eyes would still be bandaged. I returned 
home to-day with the intention of explaining my wishes 
to your grandfather. Did you never think of the 
painful embarrassment into which your — insincerity 
might plunge me?” 

“That would not have happened; you would have 
spoken to me first, and I ” 

“And you would have answered me as equivocally as 
when I questioned you about the bracelet.” 

“ If you could look into my heart, Walter, you would 
be convinced that it has room only for your image,” she 
answered mournfully. 

“ Words, Andy, in whose truth you perhaps believe at 
this moment. If it were so, would you hesitate to cease 
this miserable trifling, and seek a nobler happiness in a 
more humble sphere? Where is your pride? You hate 
your husband’s memory, and yet accept the wealth 
which — pardon the harsh expression — he left you under 
the most contemptuous conditions.” 

“ I have a right to it, and ought not to be cheated out 
of its possession,” she answered haughtily; “ I receive 
no alms, for I purchased it by eight years of slavery.” 

“Very well,” he answered almost impatiently; “let us 


AT CAPRI. 


321 


cease these discussions. You have not the courage to 

become the wife of a simple professor ” 

Because you would soon regret the step.” 

“That would be my care. You have consented to 

become the Countess P ; so there is nothing left for 

me except to leave you.” 

“ Leave me !” she repeated, and rushing towards him 
she laid her hand imploringly upon his arm. “Take 
back those words, Walter ; they rend my heart ! What 
has changed for us? You hear that I have preserved 
my personal freedom — that I shall be the count’s wife 
only in name. I have relied on you, on your friendship ; 
what prevents us from meeting each other in the old 
way ? I shall receive you in my house with the 
same pleasure that I welcomed you every evening in 
Rome.” 

“ That your husband may show me the door ? It is 
the obstinacy of the child, who does not wish to part 
with its plaything, that makes you speak so. Recollect 
yourself, Andy.” 

“You will leave me entirely — you will not seek me 
out ?” 

“ I give you my word of honor that I will not. On 
the contrary, I shall avoid meeting you.” 

21 


322 


AT CAPRI. 


“ Oh ! if I could only die !” she murmured in a voice 
choked with tears. 

“ You are far too fond of life for that.” 

She clenched her hands convulsively. “ Not even in 
this hour of parting do you lose your cool composure.” 

“ I will leave the question of who suffers most un- 
settled,” said Walter. 

“ Have . I not been a totally different person to you 
from the woman the world knows ? Go ; you are un- 
grateful !” 

“ You are convinced that you have treated me hon- 
estly ? ” 

“ Certainly ; I was sincere in my heart, and that is the 
only standard.” 

” That remark almost borders on Jesuitism.” 

“Oh! that Von Linden, that insufferable gossip I” she 
angrily exclaimed ; “ he has robbed me of a month’s 
happiness. But for him, we should have remained 
friends.” 

Erichsen shrugged his shoulders. There was a steel- 
like obstinacy in her character, which hardened itself 
against all reasoning. The grave questions of life, duty, 
honesty, she gazed at with the eyes of a child, and did 
not comprehend. 


AT CAPEI. 


323 


“ You will be responsible if I commit any folly,” she 
said defiantly, wiping away her tears. ” I must give 
vent to my feelings ere I can be calm. I will do some- 
thing to cause you anxiety. Run around the Salto 
ramparts, or go out on the sea when the storm is raging 
most violently. If I were fished out a corpse, you would 
perhaps be a little sorry for Andy, and think she loved 
you well enough not to be able to live without you.” 

A child, a wilful, spoiled child, who ought to have been 
locked up in a dark room to be brought to reason. 

“You will not expect me* to take these threats for 
earnest,” he answered calmly. “ It seems to me far 
worse that you have come here. If any one had seen 
you enter my room ” 

“ I don’t care in the least — not in the least,” she im- 
petuously replied. “ Let every one know that I love 
you.” 

“You must go, Andy; your relations might notice 
your absence.” 

She dried her tear-wet cheeks with her curls. “Fare- 
well, Walter,” she said softly. “ I cannot yet understand 
why we must be strangers to each other.” 

“ You must do so,” he replied, pressing his lips lightly 


324 


AT CAPRI, 


on the dainty fingers ; and it will be no difificult task ! 
In a few weeks you will number me among the dead.” 

She fixed a strangely earnest gaze upon him. Per- 
haps not,” she slowly replied. On the threshold she 
turned. Would he not make some sign to detain her ? 
He bowed with stiff formality; and with a half-angr}" 
gesture, she threw open the door, but closed it noise- 
lessly behind her. 


AT CAFBI. 


325 


CHAPTER XX. 

gale had increased in violence; under a cloud- 
less sky and a full moon it dashed the waves high 
against the rocky island. Walter had left the dining- 
room immediately after the meal was over and retired to 
his own chamber, where he was engaged in packing his 
clothes and papers. The two little trunks stood ready 
strapped; early the next morning he would go to Sor- 
rento, and from thence, by way of Naples, to the Sabine 
mountains. William Schulze had praised Genazzano; 
it was said to be cool and shady. Even if Andy left 
Capri, the place would be distasteful to him. He longed 
for new impressions, new surroundings, strange faces. 

The little baroness had been extremely animated at 
dinner; he scarcely remembered ever having seen the 
charming face so mobile; her cheeks glowed and her 
eyes sparkled, the silvery mocking laugh often reached 
his ear. She maintained a witty conversation with 
Schulze and Herr Von Linden, principally it seemed to 
him, at the latter’s expense. He had greeted the old 


326 


AT CAPRI, 


general and exchanged a few words with the young 
widow, then under the pretext of having important letters 
to write, he had left the party and told Pietro, the came- 
riere, to bring up his coffee. Lamp in hand, he stepped 
out upon the loggia to look for some books he had mis- 
laid. How terribly the gale was raging ! It closed the 
glass door with a crash and instantly extinguished the 
flame, though he protected it with his hand. The im- 
pression produced was a most peculiar one : the clear 
sky, with the full moon shining brightly, and the whist- 
ling and howling of the wind, the roar of the waves, 
whose rolling and dashing upon the ‘shore was dis- 
tinctly audible. He listened intently — it was prpbably 
about ten o’clock in the evening — what a strange concert 
of tones the powers of nature were producing ! He had 
intended to go down to the Marina and make a bargain 
with the fishermen, that they might have a boat ready 
the next morning. 

If the storm did not subside, he might be compelled 
to defer his plan — the men would hardly undertake to 
make the passage, even if the usual payment were 
doubled. At any rate, he resolved to speak >to the pa- 
drone, to learn from him what he thought of the weather. 
If the boats did not go out, the steamer would not come, 


AT CAPRI. 


327 


and he should be compelled to remain. He frowned 
angrily — he would go at any cost. 

The composure he had maintained in Andy’s presence 
had been difhcult enough; all was not calm within, and 
he could not by a hasty resolution tear her image from 
his soul. He had done with love, had conquered it — • 
he wished to retain the freedom purchased by such bitter 
experience. 

He returned to his room, buttoned his overcoat, and 
pressed his gray felt hat firmly on his head, that the 
wind might not tear it away ; as he opened the door 
leading into the corridor he found himself face to face 
with Gertrude. 

Fraulein Gertrude!” he exclaimed in surprise. 

She had thrown a waterproof cloak around her and 
drawn the hood over her head. 

“ I was in the act of knocking at your door,” she said 
hastily, “do you know that Baroness Von Valmont 
has disappeared ? Herr Schulze and Herr Von Linden 
are just discussing whether the general ought to be in- 
formed ; they do not like to alarm the old gentleman un- 
necessarily ” 

“ Andy disappeared !” repeated Walter, whose blood 
seemed to freeze in his veins. 


328 


AT CAPRI. 


We think — but come, Herr Professor, the gentlemen 
are waiting for us downstairs ; we will go to the Marina ; 
perhaps we shall yet find her and can detain her by force.” 

Walter turned the key in his door and followed the 
artist’s hasty step. 

“ After you left the dining-room,” she began, “ an eager 
conversation commenced — so Herr Schulze told me, for I 
had gone away — but I must give him credit for having 
acted very prudently and sensibly. The subject was the 
difference between the courage of men and women ; the 
gentlemen asserted that the latter’s bravery was either 
despair or ignorance of danger, it rarely arose from calm 
deliberation ; it ^was either an abnormal, feverish con- 
dition, or childish carelessness. The baroness would 
not admit this, she declared that she could vie with any 
man in maintaining her coolness in the midst of peril, 
it was merely the arrogance of the stronger sex that 
made them claim this quality for themselves alone. A 
discussion ensued about various cases, in which passive 
and active courage may be developed, and among others 
Baroness Von Valmont asked : whether it would require 
courage to row around the island in a small boat on a 
stormy sea ? Herr Schulze replied, that that would be 
a venture bordering upon madness and one which, though 


AT CAPRI. 


329 


he considered himself by no means a timid man, he 
would not undertake ; the sea at Capri was not to be 
trifled with, especially when the wind blew from this 
direction, the waves then fairly raged and a boat would 
be crushed in the twinkling of an eye. The other artists 
confirmed his words, and said that no one w’ould feel 
disposed to take such a trip. Herr Von Linden re- 
marked, that the men who rowed him from Massa had 
said that the gale would reach its height towards mid- 
night, and even the steamers running from Sicily might 
expect a bad night if they did not take refuge in some 
harbor. This closed the conversation, the baroness 
laughed rather scornfully and soon afterwards — about 
seven o’clock — retired. About fifteen minutes ago, little 
Marietta rushed into my room in great excitement and 
asked if I knew that the bella signora was just going out 
on the sea to Massa ; the fishermen had all refused, but 
Giacinta and her brother were unfastening their boat. 
The baroness had promised Giacinta a hundred francs, 
and said she must show that she had more strength, 
skill and confidence, than the men who were afraid 
of the sea. I could not believe this mad story, and 
thought the child had exaggerated the real state of affairs. 
To gain some certainty, I went up to the baroness’s 


330 


AT CAPRI, 


room and there, to my terror, found no one but the 
maid, who in reply to my question said anxiously : ‘ Ma- 
dame is not in, as soon as she came upstairs she threw 
on her thick white burnous, in order — as she said — to go 
with the gentlemen to a cliff which commanded a view 

of the sea ’ I knew that this was not the case, for 

the gentlemen were sitting quietly in the dining room, 
smoking their cigars. So Marietta had spoken the truth, 
and the baroness had really executed this caprice, 
of which I have no words to express my opinion. I 
relied only on the good sense of the fishermen, who 
would prevent Giacinta from going out. As I stood ir- 
resolute, considering what was to be done, Herr Schulze 
came towards me ; his long residence on the island has 
given him a thorough knowledge of the people, and I 
therefore told him the important news. He became very 
grave and begged me to inform you, while he called 
Herr Von Linden; all unnecessary uproar must be 
avoided as far as possible. Do you think such an act 
on the part of the baroness probable ?” 

‘•Yes,” replied Erichsen gloomily, “and the more ob- 
stacles have been thrown in her way, the more obsti- 
nately she will persist — especially in her present mood.” 

Gertrude did not ask the cause of this mood, she sus- 


AT CAPE I. 


331 


pected something had occurred bebveen the two, which 
must remain a secret to others. 

Meantime they had overtaken Schulze and Von 
Linden, who had gone out before them. The gale was 
still raging with the same violence ; the wind whistled 
and hissed as if there were a thousand demons in the 
air, while the sky remained cloudless and the moon 
shone peacefully. Gertrude’s hood was torn from her 
head ; her cheeks were flushed with the eflbrt to struggle 
on against the wind. Erichsen had offered his arm, 
which she declined ; it was impossible to think of talking 
with any hope of being understood. 

“ Don’t be obstinate,” shouted William Schulze in her 
ear; he drew her hood "over her head, fastened it with a 
safety pin, and, without waiting for her consent, drew 
her hand through his arm and supported her steps. She 
yielded to his energetic manner without resistance ; the 
sarcastic smile, that often offended her, had vanished 
from his mobile countenance, and an earnest gravity 
usurped its place. 

As a bend in the road offered them some protection 
against the wind, the silence was broken. 

“ This surpasses all the baroness has ever done,” 
groaned Von Linden, who was bathed in perspiration j 


332 


AT CAPRI. 


“ her grandparents — the count, who is hourly expected — 

I dare not think of it !” 

“ Is she lost, hopelessly lost, if she has gone out on 
the sea?” asked Walter, turning to the artist. 

“ Giacinta’s boat is a nutshell,” he replied ; “ my only 
hope is that they have already put back into the harbor. 

A little fright can do the baroness no harm,” he added ^ 
sharply ; “ it will teach her not to play with other 
people’s lives. Who will provide for Giacinta’s old mo- 
ther, if any misfortune happens ? These bewitching 
aristocrats are the same in all ages ; they no longer 
thrust pins into the breasts of their slaves, as the Roman 
ladies did, but they possess the same cruel egotism.” 

Gertrude was surprised at this remark, which she had 
not expected to hear from his lips. Schulze seemed to 
guess her thoughts, for he bent towards her and whis- 
pered : 

“ Don’t think me harsh and unfeeling, but this magni- 
ficent selfishness enrages me, although it is concealed 
under a most charming exterior. I should never have 
dreamed of falling seriously in love with this Circe, and 
I hope others will be radically cured of the folly.” 

The most contradictory emotions were struggling in 
Walter’s soul ; he would have liked to load Andy with 


AT CAPRL 


333 


the keenest reproaches, tell her the bitterest truths — yet 
when he imagined the danger to which she was exposed, 
fancied the nixie with the golden hair, the elf with the 
dainty little feet, suffocated by the cold embrace of the 
waves, he forgot everything in the longing to see her 
before him in safety. 

A dense throng of men, women and children stood on 
the Marina ; their shrill voices rose above the roar of the 
waves, which rolled like huge serpents upon the white 
strand and furiously dashed their spray high in the air. 
Little Marietta ran to meet Gertrude. 

Sono partite she sobbed ; “ nobody will see them 
again ; even the Holy Virgin cannot help in such a 
storm ! The hundred francs bewitched Giacinta — it is a 
large sum, but I would not have been able to earn it.” 

The gentlemen consulted the fishermen, and Schulze 
asked them to man a stout boat to go to the assistance 
of the unfortunate party. The padrone shook his head. 

“ It is useless,” said he ; “ we should only be thrown 
back on the shore again. Why sacrifice more human 
lives ? Three are enough.” 

Offer them as much money as they want,” cried Von 
Linden piteously — he had seated himself on a stone, 
and drew his feet up to his nose every time a wave came 
dashing in— ' the Italians will do anything for money.” 


334 . 


AT CAPRI. 


“ There they are !” shrieked Marietta, who had climbed 
upon a beam like a cat. 

“ Where ? where ?” shouted men and women in a 
single breath. 

“ I see the boat on the crest of a wave.” 

Walter and Schulze also distinguished a dark spot on 
the shining surface, which instantly disappeared. The 
people crossed themselves. 

“ They have gone ! May the saints be merciful.” 

Lights gleamed from all the houses on the Marina ; no 
one thought of sleeping. Some of the women knelt in 
prayer, others surrounded Giacinta’s mother, who gazed 
stolidly into vacancy and from time to time called for 
Oreste, her son, whom his sister had taken with her 
because he was a stout rower. An anxious hour elapsed. 
Erichsen and Schulze stood at the outer edge of the 
landing, clinging to the railing ; there was not a dry 
thread of clothing on them, the waves had drenched 
them to the very skin. The former’s face expressed an 
eager question, as the artist drew out his watch to see 
how much time had already passed. 

“ It is chance, predestination if you choose,” he re- 
plied ; here nothing can help except fate. The nutshell 
may perhaps dance from the crest of one wave to the 


AT CAPRI. 


335 


hollow of another, while ships are completely shattered. 
I am sure that they will be hurled on the strand not far 
from us ; the desire to go to Massa will have long since 
passed away, and Giacinta will undoubtedly put forth all 
her strength to gain the shore. As soon as they come 
in sight, the people will neglect nothing to secure their 
safety. The old padrone is a thoughtful man ; hooks 
and ropes are ready to pull them to the land, and if mat- 
ters come to extremity the fishermen will shrink neither 
from a wet bath nor broken limbs. Fraulein Stade is 
doing the only sensible thing — soothing the howling 
women — and has even succeeded in getting them to put 
the bambini to bed, instead of letting them catch cold out 
of doors.” 

The storm seemed to pause, in order to collect strength 
for a fresh outburst; heavy clouds now obscured the 
sky and cast their shadows on the heaving sea. Erich- 
sen’s falcon eyes were fixed on the huge waves, which 
reared their crests like wild steeds. Suddenly he grasped 
his companion’s arm — “ There ! am I mistaken ? — It is 
the boat!” 

The artist uttered a loud shout. 

“ It is 1 There they go gliding down a wave as if it 
were a railroad— mio ! Another is rushing over 


336 


AT CAPEl. 


them — no, they appear again ! Giacinta is a brave girl — 
she rows like the deuce I” 

The people on the shore, who had been joined by 
some strangers from the nearest hotel, raised a piercing 
shriek. Every one was instantly in motion. Gertrude 
had ordered a fire to be lighted in the padrone’s house, 
around which the wraps, shawls and clothes brought by 
Cdcile were spread. The light of the flames gleamed 
through the open door far out into the night. 

Ma pauvre jeune dame r sobbed the Frenchwoman, 
how shall I find her — who knows whether she is still 
alive I” And she held the shawls before the fire on her 
outstretched arms. 

A tall Englishman tapped Herr Von Linden on the 
shoulder with his field-glass. 

“ Can that lady swim ?” he asked. 

“ Perhaps so,” replied the latter, sighing. 

“Oh 1 I beg your pardon,” said the other, turning his 
glass towards the sea. 

'' Coraggio, coraggio/” shduted the crowd in one 
breath. Giacinta and her brother were rowing with iron 
strength; they were constantly hurled back, but gra- 
dually approached. Several fishermen, who had fastened 
themselves together by means of a rope wound around 


AT CAPRI. 


337 


their waists, and whose end was fastened on shore, now 
rushed into the waves to throw a rope to the nutshell. 
After several fruitless efforts, which the spectators 
watched with feverish suspense, the manoeuvre suc- 
ceeded. Giacinta caught the rope and fastened the 
hook attached to it to the boat. The work that now 
remained was comparatively easy. When the keel 
grated on the gravel, the islanders were half frantic 
with joy. 

Walter and William Schulze, wading up to their knees 
in water, were the first to reach the spot. Andy was 
lying in the bottom of the boat, covered with her white 
cloak. 

“ She is alive !” said Giacinta, whose hands were torn 
and bleeding. “ That’s what I call a hard'piece of work ! 
And Oreste was as brave as the strongest man,” she said 
proudly, pointing to her brother, who smiled idiotically 
in her face. 

Walter stooped and raised the light figure lying sense- 
less at his feet. Water was dripping from the long 
golden hair; the cloak and dress were heavy with 
moisture ; the beautiful face was deadly pale — only the 
delicate lips had not lost their scarlet hue. He carried 
her in his arms to the house, where Gertrude and the 
22 


338 


AT CAPRI. 


maid had made all possible preparations for her recep- 
tion. The Frenchwoman, bursting into tears, kissed>the 
cold hand. “ She is alive ! Thank God !” 

The bright flames flooded the pale features with a 
crimson glow, and the warmth reanimated the rigid 
limbs. As Walter gently placed her in a chair, she 
opened her eyes ; at the first gleam of returning con- 
sciousness this singular little creature instantly fecovered 
her presence of mind. 

“ Ma bo7zne C^ile” she said, nodding to the faithful 
servant, and smiling at the gentlemen, who were about 
to withdraw. “ Have I shown courage ? If it had not 
been for the water, which chilled my limbs, I should 
have held out bravely to the last. Ask Giacinta if I 
trembled for a moment. I tried to relieve her in rowing, 
but my hands were too weak. It was really an interest- 
ing trip, and a magnificent spectacle to see those moun- 
tain waves towering above us on every side.” 

“There you have it!” William Schulze whispered to 
the professor ; “ it was an interesting trip I And to- 
morrow all three may be ill with nervous fever, and the 
whole population has been in a turmoil on her account. 
She calls that an interesting trip — the genuine female 
Nero I” 


AT CAPRI. 


339 


“ I shall be ready in ten minutes,” Andy called to the 
gentlemen ; “ wait for me, and send Herr Von Linden on 
before to soothe my grandparents — I didn’t think they 
would hear of my escapade.” 

“You need not tell us that,” replied Walter; “you 
never think of others, where the gratification of your 
own whims and caprices is concerned.” 

“ How unamiable !” she said, with a most charming 
pout, putting out her little feet that C^cile might remove 
the wet shoes. “ ‘ I will make myself disagreeable — that 
is a proof of true friendship,’ is your motto.” 

Gertrude found her assistance unnecessary, as the 
maid undressed her mistress ; she therefore went to find 
Giacinta, who was looking sorrowfully at her boat, which 
had sustained considerable damage. 

“ Don’t grieve over that,” she said sternly ; “ the 
baroness will pay you two or three times its value. You 
really deserve no recompense, because, instead of dis- 
suading the lady, who is inexperienced and knows 
nothing about the sea, you strengthened her in her 
reckless foolhardiness — merely that you might after- 
wards boast that you had done what no man would 
dare — And to take your brother, whom you love, into 
such danger ! See how he is trembling ; he may have 
got his death.” 


340 


AT CAPRI, 


“ My poor Oreste !” exclaimed Giacinta, throwing her 
arm lovingly around the boy ; “ it is true, he is cold as 
ice. If my mother had only lighted a fire at home, 
instead of sitting here groaning and howling.” 

Gertrude bade her go home ; she would follow imme- 
diately with Marietta, bringing hot cloths and blankets, 
to rub and wrap the lad; if he could be thrown into a 
violent perspiration, the chill would perhaps leave no 
bad consequences. Giacinta perceived the good sense 
of this advice, and, taking her brother by the hand, ran 
towards her little home, which stood near. . . William 
Schulze interrupted Gertrude’s charitable employment, 
by energetically insisting that she needed rest. The 
baroness was already dressed, and had declared her 
intention of returning home on foot. 

“ She will sleep till twelve o’clock to-morrow, and 
awake perfectly well ; while you will be seated at your 
easel before breakfast.” 

So saying, he took her arm and drew her gently away. 
Andy ran to meet her. 

“ I must thank you especially,” she said warmly, hold- 
ing out both hands ; “ you have arranged everything, 
and all in the most practical manner. I shall probably 
always remain in your debt, since you are too proud to 
accept favors from others.” 


AT CAPE I. 


341 


She put her hand through Gertrude’s arm and walked 
on with her, followed by Walter, Schulze and Cdcile. 
The storm had partially subsided, and as the wind was 
on their backs, they did not find the ascent difficult. 

“Your mad escapade has had one good result, ma- 
dame,” said Gertrude gravely. “ Giacinta told me, that 
when she realized the full extent of the danger, she made 
a VOW' to the Madonna del soccorso, that she would give 
up all thoughts of vengeance on the faithless Paolo, if 
she would graciously protect her.” 

“ I hope she will keep the vow,” laughed Andy. “ I 
shall expect to find her married when I return next year ; 
I will provide for the dowry — that is the least I can do.” 

On reaching the albergo, the little baroness said with 
a sigh of comic despair: “Your universal displeasure 
weighs heavily upon me ; I feel like^ criminal. Professor 
Erichsen looks as Brutus may have done when he con- 
demned his sons ; even Herr Schulze’s face shows un- 
usual lines. I believe Fraulein Gertrude is my mildest 
judge !” She threw her arms around her neck and 
kissed her ; then extending her hand to the gentlemen, 
exclaimed in a tone between laughing and weeping : 
“ Pray forgive me, or I can’t sleep. I shall now be able 
to enter into the situation as a mermaid,” she continued, 


342 


AT CAPRI, 


turning to the tall artist ; “ I have become familiar with 
my element. Farewell till we meet again — Walter !” 
she murmured softly, casting a timid, loving glance 
at him. 

His fingers closed more firmly around the little white 
hand, as he faltered a somewhat incoherent farewell, then 
he saw her rush into the arms of the old general, who 
had been anxiously expecting her arrival. 

“ I am not drowned, grandpapa, although I perhaps 
deserved to be ! To be sure, I swallowed a great deal 
of salt water, but only my bracelet and mother-of-pearl 
comb have fallen into the sea.” She threw back her 
hood, and the damp golden hair fell like a cloak around 
the dainty figure — nixie, siren. Puck, everything — except 


a true woman. 


AT CAPRI. 


343 


CHAPTER XXL 

y^BQUT a year and a half had elapsed since the 
events related in the last chapter. Professor Walter 
Erichsen, who had been on the rocky cliffs of Capri, 
glancing from the pages of Tacitus and Juvenal to the 
Siren Islands and Sorrentine cliffs, while the blue Medi- 
terranean rolled its waves at his feet, sat in a com- 
fortable study, working industriously at a writing-table. 
The pen could scarcely follow his thoughts, yet it 
travelled far more swiftly over the paper than in the old 
days on the Punta di Mitromania. The solid walls of the 
Herr Professor’s study shut out the mischievous sprites, 
who at Capri had flown through the air on the sunbeams 
or sailed over the sea on the waves, to whisper all sorts 
of follies into his ear. 

Once more, as on that long past afternoon, he heard 
the rustle of a dress, but did not spring impatiently to 
his feet, for he knew it was his dear old mother who 
moved through the room, and a voice that had probably 
never possessed the silvery tones of an elf’s laugh, fell 
upon his ear. 


344 


AT CAPRI. 


“A gentleman would like to see you, Walter; a 
travelling acquaintance from Italy. You do not like to 
be disturbed at this hour — but in this case — he is going 
away to-morrow.” 

William Schulze !” said Erichsen. “ He is very 
welcome — I shall be delighted to see him.” 

He hurried into the adjoining room, where Schulze 
was standing scanning with the freedom of an old friend, 
the furniture of the apartment, and the engravings hang- 
ing on the walls. 

“ Remarkably neat and comfortable,” said he, after 
shaking hands with Walter ; “ it only lacks a souvenir 
of Italy, a genre picture with characteristic figures. 
Gertrude will undertake to supply the deficiency — ah ! 
yes, you know nothing about it,” he cried, interrupting 
himself with a grin of delight ; “ we are to be married 
next month and journey across the Alps to Rome 
together.” 

Walter warmly congratulated his guest, and led him to 
his study, while the old lady disappeared to make the 
necessary preparations for dinner. 

“ Gertrude sends her kindest regards,” continued 
Schulze, drawing from his pocket book two photographs, 
which he placed side by side on the table. That is the 


AT CAPRI, 


345 


way she looked a year ago, and this is the way she looks 
now ! What do you think of her ? Isn’t she a beauty ? 
Am I not a good physician for the soul? She has 
grown ten years younger, her face is rounder, she has a 
fresh color, dresses well. I don’t allow her to buy a 
dress without consulting my taste. She has grown gay 
and animated. In short, Professor, I assure you that I 
am making an excellent match. Many will envy me my 
wife. 

And how long have you been so happy ?” asked 
Erichsen, smiling. 

“ It is really only four weeks since Gertrude gave her 
consent. I would not urge her. I wanted to give her 
time to forget certain memories. That she has done so, 
is proved by the message she sent you by me, and this 
book ” ■ — he drew two bound volumes from his coat- 
pocket — “which I am taking her as a present, and in 
which I will beg you to write a few words ; they will 
give her sincere pleasure.” 

The books were : Latin Studies, the product of Walter’s 
Italian journey, which he had published not long before. 

“ Now I will tell you, in a few words, what occurred 
at Capri after your departure. After we, Gertrude and 
I, had accompanied you to the Marina and waved you a 


346 


AT CAPRI, 


last farewell — your boat tossed wildly on the rough sea — 
we quietly returned to the house. I am really a man of 
feeling, though I don’t carry it around in my vest-pocket ; 
so I could imagine what was transpiring in Gertrude’s 
soul. I began my cure at that very moment, spoke of 
you in the most unconscious manner, praised your char- 
acter, expressed my appreciation of it, admired your 
writings, offered to procure some of them for her, but all 
with the most perfect unconcern. This did the poor 
girl good ; I perceived it ; sho endured my presence be- 
cause I reminded her of the absent — and gradually — but 

of that later At first the little baroness would not 

believe you had gone away. When she could no longer 
doubt the fact, the sun of her amiability disappeared 
behind thick clouds. She assumed the airs of a great 
lady, and troubled herself very little about us ; she 
bought a picture of Endymion and myself, and by so 
doing, considered all relations closed. A few days after 
a party of her fashionable acquaintances arrived, among 
them a tall, handsome officer — the baroness’s betrothed 
husband. He seemed to be very much in love with his 
charming fiancee, and she treated him very coldly. 
I remember one glance she gave him, when he was a 
little longer than necessary in putting on her shawl, from 


AT CAPRI. 


347 


which he actually shrank— that tall man before the tiny 
creature — it was laughable ! But ever since Jupiter pre- 
sented himself to Danae in the guise of a shower of gold, 
brilliant jewels have played an important part in all love 
affairs. The count displayed remarkably good taste in 
the selection of his valuable gifts. This was certainly 
something, and the siren softened a little. They soon 
went to Rome, where they were married in the chapel 
of the embassy. After the wedding, the count probably 
adopted another tone ; he did not seem formed for 
languishing. 

“ Our colony of German artists soon scattered. Endy- 
mion offered himself to Fraulein Stosser, and that ami- 
able lady, whose happiness was very touching, went 
home under her betrothed bridegroom’s escort to attend 
to her property. Among the many good deeds of which * 
I am conscious, and for which I shall some day be called 
to account before the Heavenly Judge, none afford me 
such sincere satisfaction as making this match. He has 
become a household despot, his days pass in perfect 
comfort, his wife waits upon him with unwearied devo- 
tion, and admires each new moonlight picture as if it 
were the first. She now writes nothing but bills of fare, 
but how exquisite they are! Uncle Brasig sullenly 


348 


AT CAPRI. 


yielded the field to me; he had no chance with Gertrude, 
who required rather more pepper and salt than his kindly 
nature could bestow. He bored her, and therefore pre- 
ferred to transplant his umbrella to another region. 

“ I remained undisputed master of the situation, and 
used my good fortune with great moderation. Wait ! 
was my watchword — so I waited, and merely took the 
liberty of offering the young lady my modest advice in 

business matters. The art-dealers cheated her shame- 

% 

fully. The result of my intervention afforded her a 
pleasant surprise, and she began to give me her confi- 
dence. When she left Capri, we parted as good friends, 
but she did not think of giving my feelings any other 
signification than good-will. 

“ In the autumn I followed her to Munich, and had no 
^ reason to complain of my reception. Her home was as 
neat and comfortable as I had imagined; she seemed 
pleased when I called — and for a time I remained satis- 
fied with that. At first my visits were rare, and I 
usually sought her in her studio, then I took tea with 
her regularly once a week, and cleverly arranged to 
meet her elsewhere. The crescendo rose very gradually, 
that her suspicions might not be aroused. A terrible 
rain-storm came to my assistance ; it burst upon the 


AT CAPRI. 


349 


city while she was at the theatre. I waited at the door 
-with an umbrella, cloak and overshoes I had obtained 
from her servant, and when she came out and looked 
helplessly around, appeared as a good genius. Gertrude 
valued this little service very highly ; no one had ever 
before troubled himself about how she got home, she 
told me almost with tears. So L at last made such 
progress, that a month ago I had a serious conversation 
with her, which resulted in her placing her industrious 
hands in mine. I think we shall suit each other. There 
you have a condensed review of our history. The 
desire to see you, sincere as it was, would not of itself 
have brought me to the capital, the art exhibition was 
the prominent reason. Gertrude has sent two pic- 
tures ” 

“ Which I have examined with the most sincere 
admiration,” Walter interrupted, “ they are among the 
very best that have been displayed. I can never pass 
without looking at Giacinta’s superb head.” 

Schulze twisted his moustache with a gratified smile. 
‘‘ Yes, ‘ The Meeting’ is a clever picture ; there are not 
many artists who can imitate Gertrude. That is why 
she ought to set a high price on her work, and as she 
is too modest, I have taken charge of the matter. The 


350 


AT CAPRI. 


right to photograph is to be sold, and moreover there 
are two admirers of the other picture, whose offers I 
expect to increase by playing them off against each 
other. These are matters, however, which only interest 
those immediately concerned. Now I should like to 
hear how affairs have gone with you. You are looking 
well, but pale and somewhat wearied. You must take a 
journey again soon, to gain a little rest. Pay us a visit 
in Rome next winter; Gertrude will give you a neat 
room.” 

“Unfortunately I am not a free artist,” replied Walter, 
who had undoubtedly grown very much older in his 
appearance ; “ my students cannot accompany me across 
the Alps. In three or four years I shall be able to 
obtain a leave of absence for several months, and then I 
will certainly come and see you in Rome, if you should 
still be there. I work a great deal, and lead a very lonely 
life, seeing only my colleagues, for I have formed no 
social ties. As you perceive, I have a comfortable home ; 
the only thing for which I often reproach my mother is 
that she spoils me too much, and takes too little care 
of herself So I pass my days between the lecture-room 
and my study — ” 

“And in so doing will become an old bachelor !” in- 


AT CAPEI 


351 


terrupted William Schulze. “ I tell you it is useless ; in 
the long run, a man mis.ses family ties — needs a wife. 
You must marry. Follow my example— first friendship, 
then warmer feelings, the same interests, the same rela- 
tions — an excellent receipt for a peaceful marriage. With 
a clever wife, who has her own intellectual life, we do not 
pay too dearly for the loss of our personal freedom.” 

Walter smiled at the artist’s well-meant zeal. 

“ Perhaps I may follow your counsel at some future 
day ; at present I am so much occupied that I have no 
time to look for a wife.” 

“ At any rate, you can give me some news of the little 
baroness, now Countess P. Gertrude would like to hear 
from her.” 

“ You are applying to the wrong person,” replied 
Erichsen, without the slightest change of countenance ; 
“ I have only met her occasionally at the theatre and in 
the street. I do not frequent the aristocratic society in 
which she moves.” He did not say that she had often 
endeavored to draw him into her circle, which he had 
steadily avoided. “All I know of her has been told me 
by others. When I saw her last, about a week ago, 
dashing past me in a high carriage, whose horses she 
was driving herself, she looked pale — her bright color 


352 


AT CAPRI, 


had disappeared. The birth of a dead child is said to 
have deeply affected her. ‘ It did not want to live, be- 
cause it was afraid I should be a bad mother,’ she 
mournfully exclaimed, ‘and perhaps I might have im- 
proved !’ She has been in delicate health ever since, and 
the doctors are seriously anxious about her. She will 
not listen to them ; rides, drives and hunts as before ; 
dances all night, and commits a thousand imprudences. 
Her beauty is unchanged — her pallor gives her a new 
and touching charm, and her sparkling eyes look unna- 
turally large in the small face.” 

“And the count?” asked William Schulze, who 
thought Walter seemed tolerably well informed. 

“The count’s intimacy with a certain lady is the talk 
of the city ; he often comes home very much intoxicated, 
in which condition he behaves like a tyrant, and humbly 
begs his wife’s pardon the next morning.” The pro- 
fessor rested his head on his hand as he continued: 
“Andy’s house is the most elegant in the city; she is 
now at Paris — now at Baden-Baden ; no entertainment 
can take place without her; the most aristocratic jciinesse 
dorie are at her feet — she has what she calls happiness — 
I only fear she will not enjoy it long.” 

“ I should like to see her,” said Schulze, thoughtfully ; 


AT CAPRI, 


353 


“ she was a wonderfully bewitching creature, with her 
nixie eyes ! She still hovers before my memory, as she 
danced the tarantella ; how her little feet flew over the 
shining floor, and her red-gold hair floated around her 
like a flame 

Walter nodded gravely. “She is a flame that con- 
sumes itself! An elf, who mocks mankind ; a bewitch- 
ing, charming creature, who has no peer on earth 1“ He 
passed his hand across his brow. “And now, let us go 
to dinner ; we will drink a glass of wine to the health 
of your betrothed bride and our memories of Capri I” he 
said, rising and conducting his friend to the dining- 
room. 


THE END. 


23 





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